Wines Cahors Château Lamagdelaine Noire - Les Camps - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Château Lamagdelaine Noire, Cuvée Les Camps 2018, is a classic red from the Cahors AOC located in the south-west of France, at the foothills of the Massif Central. This wine is predominantly made from Malbec, the star varietal in Cahors, often complemented by small proportions of Merlot or Tannat to lend suppleness and aromatic complexity. The 2018 vintage reflects a warm growing season, allowing the grapes to reach optimal ripeness, producing a wine of deep colour, concentrated black fruit notes and vibrant yet integrated tannins. Vinification in Cahors typically involves extended maceration and maturation, sometimes in oak barrels, which enhance the structure and add subtle spicy undertones.

The Cahors region, nicknamed the “Black Wine Country” due to the inky intensity of its red wines, benefits from a varied terroir. Vineyards are planted on gravelly terraces and limestone plateaux, where a mix of poor soils and a continental climate impart both power and freshness to the wines. The Lot River’s moderating influence helps preserve acidity, yielding reds that age gracefully. Cahors has a winemaking tradition dating back to the Roman era, and today its wines are recognised for their typicity and sense of place.

This robust yet elegant style is a perfect partner for regional dishes such as duck confit, cassoulet, or magret de canard with black fruit compote. It will also shine alongside grilled or roasted red meats, game, and aged cheeses like Rocamadour. For a vegetarian option, consider a lentil casserole with mushrooms and herbs to complement the wine’s earthy character.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for at least an hour to allow its bouquet of dark berries, violets, and spice to open up. Serve at 16-18°C in large glasses to showcase its aromatic depth and structure. This 2018 vintage can be appreciated now, especially after aeration, but will also benefit from a few more years of cellar ageing to further soften its tannins and develop tertiary nuances.