Read the Decanter expert's tasting note, rating and drinking window for Château de Chambert, Grand Vin, Cahors, France 2009.
Château de Chambert, Grand Vin, Cahors, France 2009
This property was bought by software tycoon Philippe Lejeune in 2007. He converted the 65-hectare vineyard to biodynamism and hired Stéphane Derenoncourt as his consultant. The vines, replanted in 1974, are on the stony clay and limestone plateau above 300m in elevation. The site is well ventilated, giving wines of great elegance. Lejeune is keen to improve his land and works with a horse and lightweight tractors to avoid compacting the soil. About 60% of the vineyards are machine-harvested. This wine is from the oldest Malbec vines and is aged for one year in 30% new barriques.
Stephen Brook Sumptuous, plummy nose with seductively oaky Indian spices, lifted and charming. Rich velvety attack, but underpinned by excellent acidity. This has abundant fruit and real tension too. Lifted, with drive and vigour. Still youthful and impeccably balanced. Long peppery finish.
Ben Llewelyn Expressive blue fruit and spice – aromatically inviting. Concentrated, ripe fruit palate with nutty tannins and sappy acidity. The fruit keeps coming and coming in a well-honed, attractive fashion. A beautifully crafted wine.
Anthony Rose Fragrant cinnamon- and clove-spiced oak supports not overwhelms the bright blackberry fruit, whose sinewy tannins and freshness give this wine lovely vibrancy and brightness. A Barolo in Cahors.
Creamy high-toned fruit blue fruit that is carrying its years really well. Dense and plummy, with a fine rasp of tannin and a lift of citrus acidity. Lively, long, and penetrating; complex and full of interest.
Tasters Peter Richards MW, Sarah Jane Evans MW and Xavier Rousset MS
Price £23.80-£29.99 Exel Wines
Alc 14.5%
