Mary Taylor 'Odile Delpon' Cahors, France

Dark blackberry, plum, and crushed raspberry aromas rise effortlessly from the 2022 Mary Taylor 'Odile Delpon' Cahors, a refined and quietly powerful expression of Malbec rooted in the limestone terraces above the Lot River. Drawn from the single parcel “Inspiration 7.9,” planted more than three decades ago by Odile Delpon, the wine reflects a modern vision of Cahors focused on freshness, mineral precision, and purity rather than weight alone. Under the stewardship of Didier Pelvillain, the estate continues to champion sustainable and biodynamic farming while preserving the authenticity and historic character of one of France’s oldest wine regions.

Product Details:

• Owners: Odile Delpon and Didier Pelvillain
  
• Winemaker: Didier Pelvillain
  
• Variety: 100% Malbec / Côt
  
• Alcohol: 13% ABV
  
• Farming: Sustainable Viticulture, Practicing Organic, Practicing Biodynamic
  
• Certification: HVE 3
  
• Soil: Clay and limestone terraces
  
• Vine Age: Approximately 32 years
  
• Viticulture: Single Guyot training, low yields
  
• Yeast: Indigenous ambient yeasts
  
• Sulphur: 25 ppm
  
• Aging: Stainless steel
  
• Production Philosophy: Minimal intervention winemaking

Sensory Description:

The wine opens with expressive aromas of blackberry, raspberry, dark plum, and brambly spice accented by lavender, cracked pepper, and subtle mineral undertones. On the palate, the fruit remains vibrant and focused, supported by fresh acidity and fine-grained tannins that give structure without heaviness. Earthy notes of crushed stone, sage, and graphite emerge alongside dark berry fruit, while the limestone soils lend precision and lift. The finish is savory, floral, and energetic, showcasing a more refined and elegant interpretation of Cahors Malbec.

Awards & Accolades:

• 88 Points: Wine Enthusiast, praised for its “refined, peppery” character and layered dark fruit profile.

Winemaker’s Background:

The vines for this wine were planted by Odile Delpon more than thirty years ago on a parcel known as “Inspiration 7.9,” overlooking the Lot River in Cahors. Odile inherited the family’s vineyards, tobacco farm, and saffron plantation in 1968, gradually building the estate alongside her husband Claude before passing stewardship to her son, Didier Pelvillain. Didier now farms 52 hectares across two domaines with a philosophy centered on sustainability, biodiversity, and intuitive viticulture. Working with indigenous yeasts and minimal intervention, he produces wines that emphasize freshness, site expression, and restraint, helping redefine modern Cahors while honoring the region’s centuries-old identity as the historic “black wine” of southwest France.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 58–62°F in a large Bordeaux glass to highlight the wine’s aromatic complexity and mineral freshness. Excellent alongside cassoulet, roasted duck, grilled lamb, mushroom dishes, pâté, charcuterie, or herb-driven beef preparations. The wine’s balance of savory spice and vibrant fruit also pairs beautifully with earthy ingredients such as rosemary, sage, cumin, and shallots.