2008 Les Roques des Cana "Les Vin des Noces" Malbec, Cahors

While many people are familiar with Malbec from Argentina, it actually has its origins in the Western regions of France. It is often utilized as a blending grape in the wines of Bordeaux, but finds its purist expression in the Southwest region of Cahors. Malbec can be traced back to the days of the Roman Empire when Roman legionaries  planted vineyards in the region and were impressed by the dark color and deliciousness of the wines they came to regard as "the black wine of Cahors". Later, in the medieval period, several popes and saints believed that the wine had sacred origins, and Tsar Peter the Great made it his sacramental wine in the Orthodox Church. 

The domaine of Les Roques de Cana was named in honor of this sacramental history and the local history of the village of Saint-Vincent rive dolt, which was dedicated to the patron Saint of winemakers. According to the winery, "Le Vin des Notes" was made in homage to the 1st miracle of Jesus at the Wedding Feast of Cana. 

The wine itself was aged in stone vessels and offers a pure expression of the grape, with black fruits, violets, and a smoked meats. As a beautifully aged wine from 2008, it has begun to develop some more savory characteristics and the tannins have begun to mellow into a soft, approachable wine that is delightful with brisket.