Chateau de Cayrou Cahors: Age and Youth in Decades-Old Wine

When is an old wine not old? This question came to mind while trying a pair of wines from Chateau du Cayrou in Cahors. Though much less famous than the not-too-distant wines of Bordeaux when it comes to longevity, a duo of these Malbec-based wines (70%, with the balance 20% Merlot and 10% Tannat) from 1989 and 1982 wowed me. It was puzzling, in the best way, to have a wine smell old and mature (but not tired or faded) yet still taste remakably fresh. Both still had the burly tannins that are the hallmark of Cahors.

If you're looking to get started exploring the wines of Cahors, check out the Clos Siguier 2011 below. And read our profile of the wine's importer, Jenny & François Selections.

Jameson Fink has been working in the wine industry and blogging about wine since 2004. Saveur Magazine nominated his site, jamesonfink.com, for a 2013 Best Food Blog Award in the Wine/Beer Category. He is a tireless advocate for year-round rosé consumption and enjoys a glass of Champagne alongside a bowl of popcorn.