Clos Triguedina, Petit Clos & Prince Probus: A Blockbuster Southwest Trio of
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Jean-Luc Baldes inspecting his Malbec harvest at Domaine Clos Triguedina
Prince Probus 2005:
“Rich and powerful, with lots of crushed red fruit and mineral flavors. The finish is loaded with dark chocolate, mineral and spice, with plenty of tannins. Best from 2009 through 2014. 100 cases imported.” Rated 92, Wine Spectator
“It is impossible to separate Clos Triguedina from the name Cahors. Jean-Luc Baldes is a passionate grower possessed by true know-how and the determination to produce wines of great distinction…Clos Triguedina 2005 is of beautiful composition, still held in reserve by its youth. It will be delicious to drink over the next five years.” Rated 92, 2008 La Revue du Vin de France
Only 100 cases imported. We don’t have much, but you have to have some of this in your glass. I can’t see my fingers through the glass when I’m holding some Clos Triguedina. I like that.
Jean-Luc Baldes took over this Domaine in 1990 and has put this estate in the elite of Cahors growers. The Domaine is old, back to 1830. The name Clos Triguedina means “longing to dine” in Occitane, and I can relate to that. There are few things better than a duck breast sizzling and a glass of Clos Triguedina.
It doesn’t hurt that Clos Triguedina has the best vineyards in Cahors; perfectly placed on the best terraces and the soil is clay limestone to drain and yet retain the water down near the roots where it’s needed.
Clos Triguedina: This is the estate’s flagship wine with the same name as the Domaine.
“A strapping, robust Malbec, with chewy flavors of dark plum and bittersweet chocolate. Finishes with iron and spice, with plenty of tannins. Best from 2009 through 2012. 300 cases imported. -KM” Rated 88. Wine Spectator
The Clos Triguedina vineyards are in Puy l’Eveque which is beautiful countryside with vines following the curves of the Lot River. The vines are old. The cepage is 80% Malbec, 15% Merlot, 5% Tannat. To be called Cahors, there must be at least 70% Malbec in the blend.
The harvest is done by hand with careful selection of only the ripest and healthiest grapes. The wine is aged in one-third new barrels, the rest in one and two-year-old barrels.
Petit Clos – Everyday priced with sumptuous roundness:
Every time I serve Petit Clos at a tasting, it comes out way ahead of far more expensive wines. It’s a big wine for the price; Jean-Luc suggests a half hour of decanting before drinking.
The cepage is 80% Malbec and 20% Merlot. Petit Clos is aged partially in oak. There is severe selection and a green harvest in the vineyard. You will taste red fruits and some licorice.
“This dense, firm red features concentrated dark cherry and dark plum flavors, with shadings of mineral and savory herb and a cedary finish. Drink now through 2011. 1,000 cases made. -KM, Rated 87.” -Wine Spectator
Try something different, something incredible. Black and red fruits will dance from the glass and the tannins will be lithe. These wines are concentrated and noble and the finest expression of Malbec in the world! Cynthia Hurley