Château Lamartine - Cahors Cuvée Particulière 2020

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

A classic estate in the appellation, producing robust, tannic Cahors wines, albeit at the cost of a certain austerity in the entry-level wines. The "Expression" cuvée, made from the finest vines on the third terrace, is of exemplary consistency.

Decanter

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

A touch of Tannat (10%) complements the Malbec in this original blend, which opens with aromas of blackcurrant, violet, and—above all—spices, with mineral notes rounding out the profile. These aromas are carried through to the palate, which is very fresh, long, and harmonious, with fine, silky tannins.

About the estate:

According to legend, the branches of a centuries-old oak tree once provided a secluded spot for the romantic trysts of a beautiful woman named Martine. Since 2016, Alain Gayraud has handed the reins to his children, Lise and Benjamin—who bring extensive international experience to the table—to lead this historic estate (founded in 1883), located on the edge of the Lot region. The vineyard covers 37.5 hectares (in the process of converting to organic farming) and faces due south. A pillar of the Cahors appellation.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the wine:

With the Cuvée Particulière, you delve into the heart of the Malbec, enhanced by a touch of Tannat, resulting in a spicy wine with a sculptural texture. You’ll have to wait for the fruit to settle and for the floral notes, not far behind, to emerge in the bouquet.

About the estate:

The future of the Gayraud family estate now lies in the hands of Benjamin and Lise, Alain’s children. The new generation brings greater vitality and modernity to the wines, which focus on fruit. We must commend the progress made by this great 37.5-hectare estate, which, aided by climate change, is making the most of its terroir situated on the three terraces of the Lot.

Wine Spectator

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

With its dense black fruit and rich tannins, this is a full-bodied, spicy wine. It has a powerful structure that comes from over a year of aging in oak. The wine is concentrated and will be ready to drink starting in 2025.

Jancis Robinson

About the wine:

This wine could be used for WSET studies: what does (or should) a modern Cahors taste like? Spiced plums, a hint of black tea, a touch of matcha, all deeply embedded in long, dark, velvety, and full-bodied tannins, gently drawn like a drawstring. The acidity lies at the heart of the wine, infused with the ripeness and intensity of the plum. This wine is exceptionally good because it combines modern approachability with the transparency of the fruit and terroir, without losing its essential Cahors character. It’s long, balanced, and a pleasure to drink. Well done, Château Lamartine team.

Gilbert & Gaillard

Vinous

James Suckling

About the wine:

Aromas of wild red currants, herbs, earth, bark, and spices carry over into a medium-bodied to full-bodied palate with fine, firm tannins. Crisp cherries at the core and a succulent, silky finish. Ready to drink now or for aging.

Andreas Larsson