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THE MESSAGE Brief Encounters Whether The Tasting Panel goes to the brand execs or the brands call us, there is an abundance of news to report, from the latest releases to behind-the-scenes experiences with some of the world's most influential importers, winemakers, distillers . . . well, you name it. We may not have enough pages in each issue to devote as much attention as we would like to each person whose path we cross, but please note that if it's in the publication, we deem it noteworthy. —Meridith May, Publisher & Editorial Director Luxury Meets Luxurious 16 / the tasting panel / august 2017 C hâteau Lagrézette lies in the enchanting com- mune of Cahors, a small, often-overlooked wine region in southwest France. Production focuses on the Malbec grape, used for the region's "black wine," which has been well-known for hundreds of years and is regaining traction internationally. When grown in Cahors, Malbec tends to exhibit a sterner structure and more savory characteristics than the popular fruitier style from Argentina. "If you compare Argentinian and French Malbec, it's hard to find the similarities," says Château Lagrézette owner Alain Dominique Perrin. Perrin made his mark with Cartier International, helping to open the Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art in Paris. Thus, he's no stranger to the finer things in life, and his wines bear testament to his love of the luxurious. He has hired the best viticulture and winemaking consultants, and delivers a high-quality product at each of his tier levels. His flagship wine is Château Lagrezette 2014 Le Pigeonnier: Lilacs, lavender, violets, sandalwood, blueberries, purple plum, beets, bittersweet choco- late, pencil shavings, savory herbs; this wine shows an unexpected ethereal lightness, albeit with pensive tannins. —Allyson Gorsuch PHOTO: ALLYSON GORSUCH Château Lagrézette owner Alain Dominique Perrin with Meridith May, Publisher and Editorial Director of The Tasting Panel.