Domaine Les Roques de Cana
Cahors
France
Finesse, Freshness and Elegance
Located in the South West of France, in the region of Cahors. Malbec is the dominant grape variety in AOC Cahors. It has been widely cultivated for more than 2000 years in the era of the Ancient Rome. Once renowned for the best wines across the entire Roman Empire, in the time of Christianity.
Cahors wine is also locally known as "Cot" or commonly called "Black" wine due to the deep purple blood dark tones.
The terroirs of Les Roques de Cana are characterised by chalky limestone clay soil. A mix of red and yellow clay provides great diversity of minerals and unique freshness to the wines. Fine elements of ferruginous or iron oxides can also be found, which enables development of spicy notes while enhancing the fruit aromas of the wine.
Cahors has multiple climate influences, a combination of continental, maritime and Mediterranean. Warm dry summer which allows full phenolic ripening of grapes and concentration of sugar. The dryness forcing low yield vines to dig deep, creating strong root in search of water. There is also lesser risk of fungal issues, thus minimal disease preventing spray is needed. This is part of the estate's adoption of integrated farming, where fertilizer and chemical treatment are least used; pursuing the organic and ecological goals.
Modern sophiscated technical tools are used in the wine making process to ensure consistency, quality of delicacy, freshness and elegance. The estate makes wine with ageing potential as well as wine which is ready to drink.
Domaine Les Roques De Cana 2015
100% Malbec
This wine is deep purple in colour with some ruby tinge. Intense aroma of berries, flora scent and spice. On the palate, plenty of ripe fruit flavours of blueberries jam, some ripe dark cherries, with liquorice note. There is also white peppery spice and hint of capsicum. Tannins are medium in intensity with some gripping sensation at the end. Medium alcohol and acidity, very well balanced in the mouth. There is lengthy fruit sweetness finishing. Excellent to drink now, and few years cellaring for more tertiary notes.
Wine has undergone 6 months of maturation where half is in concrete tank and the other half in one year old French oak barrels.
Le Vin Des Noces (The Wedding Wine) 2015
This wine is a blend of Malbec 85%, Merlot 13% and Tannat 2%. Vines are at least 20 years old.
There is no oak ageing for a clean fresh style. Maceration at 8-10℃ for 3 to 4 days in thermo controlled stainless steel vats before alcoholic fermentation at 24℃. Punching down once or twice a day. Further maceration for 15 days for micro-oxgenation and optimal extraction.
The ageing process is performed in a cement vessel for 12 to 16 months to allow micro-oxgenation.
The wine is deep dark ruby with purplish tinge in colour. Nose is intense, showing ripe mix black berries plum fruit aromas with hint of mineral herbs. Full bodied with balance alcohol and acidity. Mouthful of dark berry fruit jam with plummy liquorice notes. Tannins are bold but soft, with hint of bitter coco. Wine has long finishing. It is ready to drink with finesse yet powerful for further ageing .
CWSA Gold medal Decanter 90/100 Jancis Robinson 15.5/20 James Suckling 91/100
Sanguis Christi (The Blood of Christ) 2008
Made from 100% Malbec. Vines are at least 30 years old.
Cold maceration in thermo regulated stainless steel vats at 8-10℃ for 3 to 4 days. Fermentation is at 28℃ for 10 days. Punching down is performed 2 to 3 times a day. Ageing process is carried out in French oak barrels. 50% in 1 year old barrels and 50% in 2 year old barrels.
The 2008 vintage has a deep purple colour with a mild ruby garnet rim. Wine tears are high hinting fullness of body. The nose is intense with dark berry fruits with hint of spicy, roasted Bourbon vanilla notes. The palate is flavoursome, with ripe dark plum fruit flavours complexed with bacon, herbs and cream. Tannins are on the high with some chocolate bitterness, however texture is smooth. Alcohol and acidity is well balanced with a strong, lasting and elegant finish. Recommend further bottle ageing for more tertiary development.
CWSA Gold medal Decanter 91/100 James Suckling 91/100 Jancis Robinson 16/20 Wine Enthusiast 92/100
Gilbert & Gaillard 92/100 Le Figaro Vin 17.5/20
Graal Sanctus (The Holy Grail) 2015
100% Malbec from over 30 years old vines. Handpicked harvest from selective low yield plots.
The signature Grand Cru wine of the estate. The apex of know how, showcasing the potential of this historical terroir.
Made in thermo regulated stainless still vats. Maceration at 8-10℃ for 3 to 4 days and fermentation at 28℃. Punching down is carried out 3 times a day. Final maceration for optimal extraction lasting 2 to 3 weeks. New French tight grain oak barrels are used for ageing from 20 months to 24 months.
Medalle D'or Paris Gold Gilbert & Gaillard 93/100 James Suckling 92/100 Jancis Robinson 16.5/20
Bettane & Des