wUst Fine Wine Imports
wines U should try!
Chateau Ponzac
Beautiful hilltop vineyards west of Cahors produce one of the most pure expressions of Malbec that I have ever tasted. The very creative viticulturalist and vigneron team of Virginie and Matthieu Molinie blend their separately vinified parcels of Malbec each year into wines that you can enjoy either "maintenant" or well into the future.
Ripe, lush Malbec fruit
Perfectly pruned rows of vines. Notice the broken limestone soil composition which creates the minerality.
Virginie et Matthieu
Le Chateau
The Wines
Maintenant ou Jamais 2018 (OF, NF)
Maintenant is the French word for "now" which could actually mean multiple things for this wine. It is produced to be consumed now although it also has the structure to age well for at least five to seven years. The 2018 is more elegant and balanced than the fun and lively 2016 (2017 was completely lost to frost first and then a hail storm) and you should feel free to open this wine on any occasion. The actual full name of the wine, "Maintenant ou Jamais" means "now or never" which adds to the theme of the fun of spontaneously opening a bottle of wine.
Aromas are incredibly interesting and diverse and include dark cherries, dark plums, cherry liqueur, ripe strawberries, blueberries, dark chocolate, watermelon, hazelnuts, and spices and herbs including nutmeg, allspice, lemon thyme, and mint. Flavors include blackberries, red peaches, nectarine, and a hint of dark chocolate. There is a medium body, perfect balance and acidity, a hint of limestone minerality, and a long finish with complementary tannins.
Food pairings are also very diverse and would include New York steak, rib eye, roast beef, short ribs, beef stew, lamb cassoulet, duck, tuna, mussels, salmon cakes, Paella, Jambalaya, Tapas, Roast Pork, Pork Shoulder, grilled pork chops, wild boar, grilled chicken, Asian Beef, Pork, and Chicken stir frys, Salmon with creamy curries, red curries, curried lentils, Chili Colorado, Charcuterie, sausages, and hard cheeses.
Chateau Ponzac "Estate" 2016 (OF, NF)
This is the primary "estate" wine of Chateau Ponzac which Virginie and Matthieu blend out of separately vinified parcels across the estate. Aromas are of blackberries, pomegranate, and blueberries. Flavors include rich tart cherries, ripe peaches, and boysenberries. This has a very satisfying medium to full body, is perfectly balanced across the palate, and an enjoyable finish.
Food pairings include filet mignon, New York steak, rib eye, roast beef, lamb, duck, venison, wild boar, pork chops, ratatouille, coq au vin, vegetable casseroles, and rich and hard cheeses.
