Hello, Xina and self are planning a Cahors/Malbec tasting for a few friends in a fortnight, and wanted to try one of the older wines to find out if it was still enjoyable. I ahd purchased a few bottles at iDealWine.com, the French auction site, but so far not tasted them. The crk appeared to be in good condition, and no excessive ullage, nor any leakeage from the seal. I decanted the wine 20 minutes before serving, and found it clear, rather dark, with some brick edge as might be expected. There was a slight deposit. The color was a very healthy red. [n] rosehips, rooibos (sometimes this is called red tea, though, in fact, it is not tea but some other bush coming from South Africa), sweet fruit, violet. In fact, the smell is slightly reminiscent of a CdP. [P] acidity in the attack, tannines that coat the interior lips, violets, and fruit (red berries). A bit short in the aftertaste.
Very enjoyable. I have tasted older Cahors wines, but none of them were as approachable as this one. Served it with saddle of roe, roast pumpkin, a cantarelle sauce, and mash. Exceedingly good pairing, if I do say so myself.
Cheers
Nils