Region: Cahors, France

Varietal: 100% Malbec

Tasting Notes: Jet black with deep amethyst on the edges, this Limited-Edition wine is profound and layered. A deep core of black fruit is perfumed with notes of black currant, blackberry, blueberry and hints of spice, seared meat, sage and dark chocolate. Creamy-textured bright on the palate, it displays florals flavors and some plum and new leather with a clean finish.

Producer: Crocus is the result of a collaboration between two wine world heavyweights: Paul Hobbs, a celebrated winemaker known for his work with Malbec in Argentina, and Bertrand Gabriel Vigouroux, a 4th-generation vintner from Cahors, France. Their partnership began in 2007 after Vigouroux traveled to Argentina to study the international rise of Malbec, which led him to Hobbs. Inspired by the region’s potential but seeing room for innovation, Hobbs brought modern winemaking techniques to Cahors. Together, they launched Crocus, a venture that honors the historical roots of Malbec while creating wines that appeal to today’s market. Named after the Crocus sativus flower, which has been harvested in the Cahors region since the 14th century for its prized saffron, Crocus wines symbolize the fusion of tradition and forward-thinking craftsmanship.

Vineyard & Winemaking: The Le Calcifère 2017 comes from carefully selected vines planted on the limestone-rich soils of the Plateau and terraces of the Lot Valley. The name "Le Calcifère" speaks to the wine’s deep connection to these soils, rich in lime content, which gives the wine its distinctive character. The vineyard is densely planted, with a low yield of just 2.2 tons per acre, ensuring only the most concentrated fruit is used. The grapes are hand-harvested to preserve quality, fermented in small stainless steel tanks, and aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels. This meticulous approach results in a wine that’s bold and modern, yet deeply rooted in the rich terroir of Cahors, offering a perfect balance between old-world tradition and new-world finesse.