Chateau Leret Monpezat AOC Cahors

Expert Opinion

In the press...

Of the 2000 vintage, Anthony Rose said: "This south-western blend of mainly Malbec and Merlot shows the benefits of ageing in the bottle with cherry richness, French oak, mellow tannins and a savoury sprightliness."

Of the 2000 vintage, David Williams said: "There are three reasons why this wine might raise eyebrows. For one thing, it’ 20 quid for a bottle from a French region better known for rather cheaper fare. For another, it’s more than a decade old. Fortunately, the third reason is that it’s quite lovely – age doesn’t always bring beauty with wine, but this has matured beautifully, with its core of black and red berry fruit still perky, but its framework of tannin softened delectably."

Background

History

The château is said to be the place where Jeanne Aymet had a love affair with the French King Henry IV in the 16th Century. The estate has belonged to Comtes Jean-Baptiste de Monpezat Family for many generations and they have been in partnership with the Vigouroux Family for 25 years. Bertrand Gabriel joined the company in 1989, he developed the vineyard management system and increased the number of estates and vineyards owned by the group.

Winemaking details

Bertrand-Gabriel Vigouroux

Regional info

Cahors is the capital of the Lot department in south-western France. It is one of the oldest wine regions in Europe where vines have been planted since Roman times. This is also the birthplace of the Malbec grape variety where it has been planted since 50BC. Cahors wines must have a minimum of 70% Malbec in the blend. The vineyards of Cahors were reinvented in the early 1970’s when a few forward thinking producers planted Malbec, Tannat and Merlot.