Clos Triguedina Prince Probus Cahors

Cahors, France

The finest expression of Cahors Malbec — from the highest limestone causses parcels, this is France's benchmark for what Malbec achieves on its native terroir. Black cherry, blueberry, iron mineral, dark chocolate, cedar, and a tannin structure of extraordinary precision. Requires 10+ years to reveal its full complexity; at 15 years develops the kind of depth that makes Cahors's Black Wine legend entirely comprehensible.

Pairing intelligence

• main: Southwest France's great one-pot dish and its Black Wine — Cahors Malbec's iron tannin and dark fruit stands up to cassoulet's accumulated richness; the dish's complexity meets the wine's depth
• main: The Massif Central's comfort dish and Cahors's iron wine — Malbec's dark fruit and mineral depth bridges the potato-cheese richness; lardons' smoke mirrors the wine's complexity; green salad's acidity contrasts the tannin