Plaimont is the winery largely responsible for raising the profile of Southwest France. Their proudest achievement is creating the Saint Mont Appellation, for which they are still almost the only producer. The region is right next to Madiran, and calls on 1000 years of grape growing heritage at the Saint Mont monastery. If you are a fan of the intensely earthy wines of Southwest France, this one is for you.

Their old vine cuvee is made mostly from the local favorite Tannat, with a splash of Fer Servadou. Both varieties offer rich earthy flavors and structure. The nose is impressively complex, with notes of blackcurrant and blackberry, black plum and black potting soil, with touches of tomato leaf, baker's chocolate, vanilla bean and espresso. The palate offers up plum and blackberry, full bodied and richly carved with velvety tannins, iron-rich soil. Notes of leather and dried fruit linger on the finish.