Roc de Cambes 1996 1200cl

Roc de Cambes is a 12-hectare Côtes-de-Bourg property that is also owned by one of Bordeaux’s most charming proprietors, François Mitjavile, who also owns Tertre Roteboeuf in Saint-Émilion. The property was bought by the family in 1988. Its soil is not that different from Tertre Roteboeuf’s being on clay and limestone; however, its plantings are quite unusual and resemble those in the Médoc, with a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon (75%), then Merlot (20%) and Cabernet Franc (5%). Most of their vines are around 50 years old, an impressive age for the region. When the estate was purchased, extensive work needed to be carried out in the vineyards and wine cellar. Following all François’ hard work, Roc de Cambes has arguably become the best estate in the Côtes-de-Bourg appellation. The wine is fermented in concrete vats and aged in French oak barrels. Though only 50% are new, the wine often has a smoky, savory quality to it, reminiscent of the style of Tertre Roteboeuf. They also produce a wine called Domaine de Cambes. This is not a second wine but rather a second label, consistently produced from different vineyard parcels.