Château Lamartine - Cahors Cuvée Expression 2020

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

A classic estate in the appellation, producing robust, tannic Cahors wines, though the entry-level wines are somewhat austere. The “Expression” cuvée, made from the best vines on the third terrace, is consistently excellent.

Decanter

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

Despite two years of luxurious aging, the fruit comes through clearly in this pure Malbec, which opens with notes of cherry, blackberry, and blackcurrant. On the palate, it is well-structured, firm, dense, and long-finishing, without lacking freshness. An intense and serious expression of Malbec. For the cellar.

About the estate:

According to legend, the branches of a century-old oak tree here once provided a setting 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 experience from abroad—to manage this historic estate (founded in 1883), located on the outskirts of the Lot department. The vineyard covers 37.5 hectares (in the process of converting to organic farming) and faces due south. A pillar of the Cahors appellation.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

Château Lamartine’s 2020 Expression evokes aromas of oak, toast, smoke, and black berries. Medium-bodied to full-bodied, dense, and rich, it is a concentrated, deep, and pure Malbec, framed by controlled power and velvety tannins. It finishes with a spicy and smoky aftertaste, displaying a certain freshness and tension. This robust and well-crafted Cahors, made from grapes grown on clay-limestone soils, was macerated for 40 days and aged for 20 months in new oak barrels.

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

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 of 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 River.

Wine Spectator

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

Infused with the flavors of its aging in new oak barrels, this wine is powerful and rich in black fruit. It has a well-balanced character, with good acidity and dense fruit. It requires extended aging and is best enjoyed starting in 2026.

Jancis Robinson

About the wine:

Creamy aromas of mocha and blueberry muffins. Juice from ripe blueberries, plenty of woody vanilla, and the texture and medicinal notes of not-quite-ripe sloes. Licorice. Plenty of dominant tannins—really drying on the palate. But it’s still young, and it’s clear that these vines produce a very concentrated wine. It needs time and should be paired with a meal.

Gilbert & Gaillard

Vinous

James Suckling

About the wine:

Aroma of black cherries, red currants, blackcurrants, and crushed peppercorns. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Juicy and lively, with a velvety texture. Notes of cherries and spices throughout the tasting.

Andreas Larsson