Chateau Les Hauts d'Aglan Cahors 2018

Chateau Les Hauts d'Aglan Cahors 2018 — Bold Malbec from Southwest France

A Malbec King Rooted in Tradition

Nestled on the sun-drenched slopes of Cahors in southwest France, Chateau Les Hauts d'Aglan Cahors 2018 is a historic family estate led by Isabelle Rey-Auriat, a fifth-generation vigneronne. Their 2018 Malbec (locally known as Côt) captures the energy of its hillside vineyards—south-facing plots drenched in sunlight and cooled by Atlantic and Mediterranean breezes—yielding grapes packed with ripe, concentrated flavors.

Terroir-Driven Craftsmanship

These 30-year-old vines thrive in limestone and clay soils on the higher terraces of Soturac, benefiting from ideal drainage and sunlight . Hand-harvested and gently winemaking-preservation oriented, the 2018 vintage was fermented using careful délestage and pigeage techniques, then aged 18 months in concrete vats that respect the fruit’s purity . Certified organic since 2008, the estate’s sustainable philosophy is woven into every bottle .

Tasting Notes — Rich, Structured, and Elegant

Appearance: Deep, nearly opaque ruby with a profound hue hinting at its power.

Nose: Intensely aromatic with black cherry, blackberry, and plum at the forefront, joined by pepper, spice, and an earthy tobacco undercurrent .

Palate: Full-bodied and plush, the wine delivers rich dark fruit—blackberry, blackcurrant, and ripe plum—woven together with black pepper, licorice, and a touch of cocoa. The texture is balanced by lively acidity and firm, fine-grained tannins that lend both structure and elegance .

Finish: Long, smooth, and satisfying—a lingering echo of dark berries, spice, and a trace of mineral stoniness.

Awards & Community Praise

This 2018 Cahors has earned a solid 3.7/5 average on Vivino, praised by over 200 reviewers for its harmonious blend of fruit and spice. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 89 points, noting its deep fruit, robust tannins, and promising aging potential for enjoyment in 2025 and beyond . CellarTracker users rate it around 88 points, acknowledging its well-integrated structure and ability to evolve in the bottle .

Food Pairings & Serving Tips

Serve slightly below room temperature, at 16–18°C (60–64°F). A short decant of 30 minutes helps open the complex aromas and soften tannins.

Perfect pairings include:

• Beef stews, lamb tagine, or roast duck in cherry sauce

• Slow-cooked meats: cassoulet, venison shoulder, or sauced short ribs

• Aged cheeses such as Cantal, Roquefort, or Manchego

• Mushroom-based dishes rich in umami, like truffle risotto or beef Bourguignon

Its robust nature complements hearty, savory dishes beautifully.

Drink Now or Cellar Through 2026

While enjoyable today for its bold fruit and fine tannin grip, this vintage will continue to smooth and gain nuance through 2026–2034, reaching peak drinkability in the coming years .

Why This Cahors Deserves a Spot on Your Table

• Organic, climate-conscious viticulture with sun-exposed hillside vineyards.

• 100% Malbec shows Côte-du-Lot depth and structured elegance

• Meticulous winemaking and 18-month aging preserve both vibrancy and maturity.

• Critically praised and community approved—secured high scores and solid value.

• Ideal for rich food pairings and aging at home.

Château Les Hauts d’Aglan Cahors 2018 is a confident, terroir-rich Malbec that blends generational expertise with authentic structure and savory fruit. Whether you’re cooking a cozy winter stew or filling your cellar for future enjoyment, this wine offers layers of satisfaction with every sip.

Pour a glass, taste the sun-warmed hills of Cahors, and savor a wine built to impress now—and for years to come.