Château Haut-Monplaisir Cahors Tradition

The nose leads you to believe you are getting into a prize fight with a heavyweight. 93 octane and leather race out ahead of damp moss and olives. First sip tells you you’re dealing with more of a gentle giant. Elmer’s glue and black currents up front. Tobacco and grilled meat notes through the finish. Much more savory than fruit throughout. Bright acid leads to comfortable round tannins. Benefits from some oxygen and a wide glass.

Bottle 2 of 2. No change really from my first tasting note. Drink now.

Glossy aromas of cassis, cherry, herbs, graphite and spice. Medium bodied and mellow with medium tannin, medium acid, a dry midpalate and a long, dark fruited, fresh finish. Mouth watering and mineral. Only reveals its “intro” status on the finish and it could be a touch more expressive. Great with pork involtini, asparagus and a boiled potato. Drink now.

Pours deep purple. Jammy plums, strawberries and raspberries. Full bodied with medium tannins. Good example of the style.

Another Cahors a bit lacking in tarry brooding typicity but showing attractively fresh red fruit, minerals and lively acidity. Good.

Quite drinkable, but a little greener than previous vintages of this wine.

Drinking well. Abundant dark fruit, cassis, black cherry, oak, long finish, nice wine.