Rigal Malbec 2009

Cahors, in the valley of the Lot in SW France, is where the Malbec grape was first cultivated. Cahors produces mainly two sorts of wine: a Cabernet Sauvignon that is intense, inky, and almost overwhelming on first acquaintence; and a Malbec, also very dark, but much more sophisticated and reserved. This is a very good one, very different from the Argentinian model, more subtle and complex, with red plum and dark berry flavors intermingling and very soft tannins. A really nice wine, and a great bargain at $8.99.