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| Drinking Windows and Values |
| Community Tasting History |
| Community Tasting Notes (average 87.9 pts. and median of 88 pts. in 28 notes) - hiding notes with no text | | | Tasted by Woodbridge Brad on 10/12/2022 & rated 90 points: Big but soft and lush, the perfect foil to a pork and bean braise. This wine is at its aging best. Last bottle in my cellar (433 views) | | | Tasted by Woodbridge Brad on 8/9/2022 & rated 86 points: This is at the inflection point where the brett starts to dominate the fruit. Still quite drinkable but I will drink the other one in the cellar asap. Could have a long discussion about filtration and brett. I bottled millions of cases without sterile filtration and did not get brett, but you have to be on top of it. (418 views) | | | Tasted by PJ0608 on 6/16/2022 & rated 91 points: Drank my last bottle this week. Sad to see it go. A very nicely balanced Malbec which still had a longer life (wine had been stored well since purchase). I liked it very much and will be eager to try some more. (453 views) | | | Tasted by A L P on 11/28/2021: Still quite good and the garrigue is shining through. Last bottle of this vintage. (597 views) | | | Tasted by srh on 12/18/2019: PnP
Typically, "80% Malbec & 20% Merlot from 60 ha planted in gravel, limestone, & clay soils ≈25 yrs ago; Traditional vinification; Grapes are sorted & de-stemmed after the harvest; Each vyd parcel is vinified separately; Wine is fermented in s/s (lasting anywhere from 15-18 days) with daily punch-downs, then blended in January & aged in foudre & 1-2 yr old barrels from Bordeaux grand cru for 1 yr before bottling;" 13.5% ABV
N: CLOSED; Cherries, earth, spice
P: Med body; NICE, ALMOST swtish frt (approaching threshold R.S.?) met by an astringent PUCKER as it fairly seamlessly transitions into a LONG, balanced, poss very, VERY slightly puckerish finish with a subtle, very, VERY slight swtness to the few, unoffensively firming, dusty tannins. The way this adroitly combines frt, acidity, & firming structure, I can see it accompanying a # of entreés @ LEAST into '22, *poss* as long as its 10th? [I'd have kept this bottle longer, but as I couldn't seem to get the necessary traction from those sharing it with me...] :( [As of early Mar '20, wine-searcher only shows this avail in magnums].
Note: 1st tasted on 7/27/17, ff’d by 6/25, 6/30, & 8/7, & 10/23/19. (1749 views) | | | Tasted by srh on 10/23/2019: Private Preserve after Day 1
Typically, "80% Malbec & 20% Merlot from 60 ha planted in gravel, limestone, & clay soils ≈25 yrs ago; Traditional vinification; Grapes are sorted & de-stemmed after the harvest; Each vyd parcel is vinified separately; Wine is fermented in s/s (lasting anywhere from 15-18 days) with daily punch-downs, then blended in January & aged in foudre & 1-2 yr old barrels from Bordeaux grand cru for 1 yr before bottling;" 13.5% ABV
N: FRAGRANTLY *ripe* blk cherries with hints of minerals? Hints of smoke coming on?
P: LM body; NICE, ALMOST swtish frt (approaching threshold R.S.?) met by an astringent PUCKER which somewhat resolves as it morphs into a LONG, very, VERY slightly puckerish finish with a subtle swtness to the FEW, very, VERY fine, firming tannins. // Day 2: N now showing an attractive cherry cola, P holding up just fine. ∑: My EXC-, arguably higher given the QPR of the purchased $11.99; [As of early Nov '19, wine-searcher only shows this avail in magnums].
Note: 1st tasted on 7/27/17, ff’d by 6/25, 6/30, & 8/7/19. (1585 views) | | | Tasted by srh on 8/7/2019: Typically, "80% Malbec & 20% Merlot from 60 ha planted in gravel, limestone, & clay soils ≈25 yrs ago; Traditional vinification; Grapes are sorted & de-stemmed after the harvest; Each vyd parcel is vinified separately; Wine is fermented in s/s (lasting anywhere from 15-18 days) with daily punch-downs, then blended in January & aged in foudre & 1-2 yr old barrels from Bordeaux grand cru for 1 yr before bottling;" 13.5% ABV
N: Attractive blk cherries with notes of flowers (violets?) & undertones of earth
P: Med, poss MF, body; RNDISH entry with NICE, ALMOST swtish frt met by an astringent pucker which pretty much ULT resolves by the LONG, very, VERY slightly bitterish finish with a tangy/swtness to the few, firming, dusty tannins. My EXC-, arguably higher given the QPR of the purchased $11.99; [As of mid Aug '19, wine-searcher still shows 1 source @ $15]. (1622 views) | | | Tasted by srh on 6/30/2019: This bottle had been opened the previous day for ≈10 hrs before Private Preserve was applied. What follows was what I tasted on Day 2.
Typically, "80% Malbec & 20% Merlot from 60 ha planted in gravel, limestone, & clay soils ≈25 yrs ago; Traditional vinification; Grapes are sorted & de-stemmed after the harvest; Each vyd parcel is vinified separately; Wine is fermented in s/s (lasting anywhere from 15-18 days) with daily punch-downs, then blended in January & aged in foudre & 1-2 yr old barrels from Bordeaux grand cru for 1 yr before bottling;" 13.5% ABV
N: FRAGRANT blk olives, licorice, & blk cherries
P: Med, poss MF, body; Rndish entry with NICE, almost swtish frt met by some astringent PUCKER which fairly quickly transitions into a LONG, balanced finish with a TANGY spiciness & a discrete swtness to the very, VERY fine tannins. SHOULD hold into mid Summer '20, poss longer. My EXC-, arguably higher given the QPR of the purchased $11.99; [As of mid Aug '19, wine-searcher still shows 1 source @ $15].
Note: Neither relatives (on 6/25) nor friends yesterday were NEARLY as enthralled with this as I. :( (1527 views) | | | Tasted by srh on 6/25/2019: Decanted ≈70 min; Private Preserve after Day 1
Typically, "80% Malbec & 20% Merlot from 60 ha planted in gravel, limestone, & clay soils ≈25 yrs ago; Traditional vinification; Grapes are sorted & de-stemmed after the harvest; Each vyd parcel is vinified separately; Wine is fermented in s/s (lasting anywhere from 15-18 days) with daily punch-downs, then blended in January & aged in foudre & 1-2 yr old barrels from Bordeaux grand cru for 1 yr before bottling;" 13.5% ABV
N: Blk olives, poss licorice (?), with a gamy aspect?
P: Med, poss LM, body; Rndish entry with NICE, almost swtish frt met by a BIT of astringent pucker which fairly quickly transitions into a LONG, balanced finish with a very, VERY slight tanginess/spiciness & a discrete swtness to the very, VERY fine tannins. // Day 4: Almost what I would have expected, given the amt of time. ∑: My EXC-, arguably higher given the QPR of the purchased $11.99; [As of mid Aug '19, wine-searcher still shows 1 source @ $15]. (1374 views) | | | Tasted by A L P on 3/24/2019: Young, grapey dry, some garrigue. This wine never disappoints. (891 views) | | | Tasted by macaujames on 10/22/2018 & rated 89 points: Has medium intensity aromas of plums, flowers, chalk, cedar hints and black raspberries. Its medium bodied a bit sculpted and juicy blue and red fruits palate has nice layers and acidity. Ends longish, fresh and aromatic with lovely firmness and a bit dry. Delicious. 13%. Food friendly. Good value too. (1804 views) | | | Tasted by eboracum on 8/29/2018 & rated 87 points: From my notes and memory, this 2015 was not so characterful and interesting as the 2012 and 2014, particularly the former. It was perhaps rounder and fruitier with similar wet leather notes but lacked some of earthy mineral complexity. Still good wine though and reasonable QPR at c.€8. (1457 views) | | | Tasted by gtilley on 6/15/2018: Decent, especially for the price. Lush if simple dark fruits and with a degree of concentration. Good value. (2087 views) | | | Tasted by Andrew67 on 6/6/2018 & rated 89 points: Decent wine, the fruit is slightly funky but has a good dry finish with firm tannins. There is decent enough structure with quite bright acidity. Not sure this is a long term wine, but it is nice enough now. (1912 views) | | | Tasted by PaulusLoZebra on 4/21/2018 & rated 88 points: Deep color with crimson edges; sweet, black fruit aromas; mid-weight, with nice acid structure and light tannins. Compared with many Argentine Malbecs this has less extraction and alcohol, and no obvious oak, and is a bit more savory. Compared with many Cahors, it is slightly sweeter, less structured and less tannic, and without the mineral finish of some. Lacking complexity, but a well-balanced, smooth wine with an excellent QPR. Drank well over three nights. (1849 views) | | | Tasted by Noelle H on 4/20/2018 & rated 90 points: Herbal cherries. Eucalyptus. Dried red fruits.
Less bold ripe fruit and heat than an Argentinian Malbec. Grippier tannins. I am digging this wine - especially at under $20/bottle. (1335 views) | | | Tasted by oropeza on 4/8/2018 & rated 87 points: Black fruit with some malbec-ie tang and good tannic chew, simple and nice (1123 views) | | | Tasted by Woodbridge Brad on 3/21/2018 & rated 88 points: Living up to my notes from the purchase tasting. Clean and juicy with a hint of rustic complexity. Firm acid balance, long linger, modest but adequate weight. (844 views) | | | Tasted by eric lemieux on 12/11/2017 & rated 88 points: Vin plein, bien fruité. Sans grand défaut, mais sans grande qualité.
Excellent Q/P**$ pour vin de semaine. (1350 views) | | | Tasted by Rollerball on 9/20/2017 & rated 87 points: Grapey sweet, juicy, and young like a wine you'd be thrilled to have as the house wine at the local family place.
The first wine in our tomato project, in a successful attempt to pair with late summer cherry tomatoes. (1699 views) | | | Tasted by WetRock on 9/8/2017: This has that classic older world table wine style of showing off some nice fruit with interesting secondary notes to keep it from being bland. There is also a good amount of tannin and acid to make this a nice dinner companion. Fantastic value at $13. (1611 views) | | | Tasted by Woodbridge Brad on 8/3/2017 & rated 88 points: Kermit Lynch Tasting at Wine Wizards (Wine Wizards): Dark and fresh, much cleaner than previous vintages (no brett). Good weight without excessive tannin, and lovely juicy fruit without high alcohol or sugar. A value at $13. (1709 views) | | | Tasted by srh on 7/22/2017: Taste Wines from Importer Kermit Lynch (San Diego Wine Co.): 80% Malbec & 20% Merlot; 13.5% ABV
N: Cherries/earth; Intensity lurking!
P: Med body; Almost swtish frt met by puckerish tannins which ultimately are ALMOST swtish by the end of the fairly LONG, VERY slightly tangy finish. NEEDS until '20 min, then a potential STEAL! [This vendor's $11.99 would appear to be the BEST on wine-searcher by ~ 8%.] (1772 views) | | | Only displaying the 25 most recent notes - click to see all notes for this wine... |
| Clos La Coutale Producer website
However, the U.S. Importer's pg, https://www.kermitlynch.com/our-wines/clos-la-coutale/ , may well contain more pertinent info -- including an update of the below.
Modern techniques but respecting traditional methods. All the grapes are destalked and pressed before fermentation in stainless steel vats, each grape variety from different parts of the vineyard being fermented separately. Maceration at 28º C. takes 15 days. The wines are fermented for three weeks on the skins, and the property has sufficient tank space to ferment 100% of their harvest at once. After racking from stainless steel, half of the wine goes into 60-gallon Seguin-Moreau barrels,while the balance is aged in 800-gallon foudre. The wine is blended and time spent (12 months) in oak vats gives it the special aromas of vanilla and silky tannins. The wine is bottled, unfiltered, after a year in wood. The blend is 70% Malbec (known locally as Cot), the traditional grape of the region, blended with 15% Merlot which gives finesse and bouquet, 15% Tannat which gives it its aging potential. Yields average 40-45 hl/ha (about 2.5 - tons/acre.)
Tasting notes
For decades Kermit Lynch has worked with Coutale, currently managed by a very cool Philippe Bernède, who don’t consider “prodigious concentration” and “sledgehammer on the palate” positive reviews. Philippe has reduced the proportion of Tannat in the blend over the years, preferring a wine with more balance and immediate pleasure, so the blend is now predominantly Malbec (with a touch of, gasp, Merlot - is that still a cuss word?). The 2006 is a particularly sexy vintage for Philippe, with very ripe, silky tannins and a perfumed finish. Don’t let the “feminine for Cahors” bit trip you, though. This is a deeply hued wine with a big, round palate and plenty of meaty tannin. It just happens to be even more versatile at table than usual.
Malbec BlendCordiscoFrance Vins de France (Office National Interprofessionnel des Vins ) | Pages Vins, Directory of French Winegrowers | French Wine (Wikipedia)
Wine Scholar Guild vintage ratings
2018 vintage: "marked by a wet spring, a superb summer and a good harvest"
2019 vintage reports
2021: "From a general standpoint, whether for white, rosé or red wines, 2021 is a year marked by quality in the Rhône Valley Vineyards. Structured, elegant, fresh and fruity will be the main keywords for this new vintage."
2022 harvest: idealwine.info | wine-searcher.comSouthwest France Comité Interprofessionnel des Vins du Sud Ouest | Les vins du Tarn-et-Garonne on-lineCahors Le Vins de Cahors (L’Union Interprofessionnelle du Vin de Cahors)
The Cahors appellation is located in the département of Lot, which itself lies in the greater region known as Quercy. Sandwiched between the Dordogne and Toulouse, the rolling hills of the area that twist gently along with the River Lot provides the visitor with a fairy tale view around each bend; villages topping the peaks of small hills, blue sky and vine-covered expanses, castles tucked neatly into hillside folds or hanging precariously on the rim of a cliff...it's not surprising that this area attracts huge numbers of tourists and foreigners looking to buy retirement homes abroad! The Cahors vineyards date back to the Roman occupation, making them among the oldest in France.
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Cahors is a small town in southwestern France, located 100 miles (160km) east of Bordeaux. In wine terms it is known for its deeply colored reds made predominantly from Malbec (known locally as both Côt and Auxerrois), with small quantities of Tannat and Merlot. Interestingly, Cahors is the only red-wine appellation in the French south-west to use neither Cabernet Sauvignon nor Cabernet Franc. Malbec typically ripens midway through the growing season and produces small, intensely colored grapes. As it is so sensitive to its growing environment, the level of ripeness has a considerable effect on the structure of the eventual wine. Broadly speaking, French Malbec tends to be more meaty, rustic and tannic. Malbec wines are generally aged in oak to enhance the wine's structure and aging potential. |
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