2013 Fabien Jouves, Mas Del Perie, La Roque, Cahors, Malbec, France.
Fabian Jouves is redefining what we think of as French Malbec, in fact his Cahors is one of the most interesting wines from the region and his natural winemaking practices are highlighting this varietal in a way we couldn’t have imagined, especially this La Roque. Fermented and raise in a combination of cement and neutral oak barrels this pure and delicious Malbec shows wonderful vitality and balance with dark fruits, good acidity and superb length. Some whole cluster and native yeasts add the complexity, and the low sulphur gives this wine the same kind of personality that you find in wines like Lapierre’s Morgon and the wines of La Stoppa, and while the term “Natural Wine” can turn people off in some areas, this wine is beautifully made, clear and focused, you could more easily compare Fabien with Arianna Occhipinti, talents that make honest terroir wine. The 2013 Mas del Perie La Roque Cahors is lively, fresh and vibrant with wild flowers, sweet herb and plum notes leading to a palate of cherry, raspberry, strawberry and tangy currants along with an almost red peach and citrusy dynamic that makes this wine feel refreshing while chalky mineral, anise, tobacco leaf and a hint of cedar comes through with air. The wine takes on a darker presence in the glass with bitter coco, blueberry and all spice coming through, this really good stuff that is modest in alcohol, lively with a medium body and is super pleasing throughout, drink from 2015 to 2019.
($23 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive
