2018h 6

 Magical place!

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Tertre Roteboeuf's subsoil - five different types of clay - white, yellow, brown, green, and blue

My first meeting with Francois Mitjavile and Château Tertre Roteboeuf occurred in May 1987, after I read wine-guru Robert Parker's superlatives about this small property in his "The Wine Advocate". Meeting the articulate and eloquent Francois Mitjavile and his wine surpassed all my expectations. The things he explained about soil, grape varieties, and vinification were so captivating to listen to that four hours flew away at rocket speed. His wine was so exquisite that I loved it at first sip!

This Grand Cru property, situated in the commune of St.Laurent-des-Combes, a few kilometers southeast of the picturesque town of Saint-Émilion, is a small vigneron house built in the 18th century. This property's name can sound a little strange; it refers to the time many centuries ago when vineyards and vines had not yet existed. The hillside was used to feed the cattle then, and the name "Roteboeuf" originates from that.

Francois Mitjavile took over Tertre Roteboeuf in 1978 from his father-in-law (Gilard family), and this vintage was the first one he made entirely by himself. Before that, he worked for two years at the famous Château Figeac and then spent several years at Tertre Roteboeuf to learn as much as possible about wine.

His breakthrough on the wine scene was the 1985 vintage. A new cult wine was born, and since then, the quality has improved, so Tertre Roteboeuf can easily compete with Premiers Grand Cru Classés in Saint-Émilion, the best 2. Crus Classés in Haut-Medoc, and even challenge First Growths.

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TERTRE ROTEBOEUF

5.7 ha of vines are planted with 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. Merlot vines are 45 years old, while Cabernet Franc ones are five years older. The subsoil consists of four kinds of clay resting on the bed of limestones. This combination of subsoil, which is typical for the majority of vineyards in Saint-Émilion "Côtes" (slopes), is described as "cold soil" because clay needs a long time to be warmed up, and limestones are always humid and cold. It means grapes can take advantage of the sun and reach perfect maturity very late.

When skins are ripe, grapes reach a sugar level of 14–15% alcohol, and "everybody" is happy. This cold soil is created for Merlot but not Cabernet Sauvignon, which prefers the so-called "hot soil" (gravel and quartz pebbles, which reflect sun heat at vines) in Haut-Medoc and Graves.

Francois Mitjavile waits until very late with the harvest; the grapes must be perfectly ripe, resulting in raisin-like lusciousness (Tertre Roteboeuf's trademark). Therefore, he risks his grapes being destroyed if bad weather comes. Until now, the Gods of temperature have been quite nice to him; several of Francois Mitjavile's vintages could easily have been labeled "vendange tardive".

This very late harvest, combined with long alcoholic fermentation and extraction at 35°C, should result in powerful, sappy, well-structured wine with much fruit sweetness and meatiness, where fruit and tannin make an extremely harmonious "marriage". Fermentation at 35°C is associated with a significant risk of the whole thing turning to acetic acid. Still, Francois Mitjavile says that "his" yeast cells can easily cope with such a high fermentation temperature. Another thing that is also characteristic of his winemaking is the low yield per hectare – max. 36 hl.

 He will very much have the personality and character of soil conditions in his wine, even if this costs him some complexity, but he doesn't want to keep the same style in every vintage at any price. "Let us see what soil and weather have cooked together this year and get the best possible out of it. The miracle comes first of all from Mother  Nature, he says.

In the mid-'90s, he was presented with the following statement from a taster: "Monsieur Mitjavile, in 1988, you made an elegant wine, and in 1989, an opulent wine". The answer came immediately, "I am not responsible!" Francois Mitjavile stands rock solid by his views. An oenologist's advice to filter the super-concentrated 1989 was turned down immediately because it would leave many deposits (so what?).

What's the secret behind Tertre Roteboeuf's and Roc de Cambes' success? Francois Mitjavile's work is exceptionally well thought out, and his love for wine and intuition drives him. In addition to this, he has a lot of courage and self-belief. Francois Mitjavile often takes risks, which other winemakers in Bordeaux do not dare. At the same time, he is incredibly self-confident and focused. It makes him a complex winemaker whose skills are close to genius-like. Francois Mitjavile walks in the vineyard at night with his hands on his back and talks lovingly to the vines.

It is undeniable that Tertre Roteboeuf and Roc de Cambes have Francois Mitjavile's personal "signature" because the style of both wines is different compared to many wines in Bordeaux. This distinct style (raisin-like lusciousness and lots of perfectly ripe fruit) acts like an ultra-strong magnet for many wine lovers, resulting in enormous demand.

Since the 1994 vintage, he removed the word "Château" from the label of both wines. This famous word sounded pretentious and did not fit his working style.

Today, he is acknowledged and respected by most château-owners in Bordeaux (the big "guns" included), but this was not the case at the end of the '80s. At that time, he was considered an odd person with strange ideas. More winemakers of his kind, and Bordeaux has absolutely nothing to fear.

I visited Tertre Roteboeuf in 1987, 1988, 1990, 1993, and every year since 1995. Every visit has been a great experience and a learning one not only because of his magnificent wines but also because Francois Mitjavile is a very cultivated person who knows much about things other than wine, like culture and politics.

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Tertre Roteboeuf 2022 (barrel sample) 97p

Tasted in April 2023. It had an intense nose of black and red berries, a big palette of flavors and complexity, and an excellent mid-palate. Seamless, silky berries, grained tannin, and sophisticated touch. Long, caressing finish. Excellent effort, as usual.

Tertre Roteboeuf 2021 (barrel sample) 96-97p

Tasted in April 2022. It had a sensual and extraordinary nose of black and red berries, an enormous palette of flavors, complexity, and an excellent midpalate. Seamless, silky berries, grained tannin, and sophisticated touch. It was a long, caressing finish. It is a stunning and unique wine, which is a strong candidate for the wine of the vintage.

Tertre Roteboeuf 2020 (barrel sample) 98-100p 

Tasted twice - last time in November 2021. Consistent notes.  80% Merlot + 20% Cabernet Franc. 15% alcohol. Incredibly perfumed nose of dark cherries/wild cherries/morello cherries. The palate was a paradise with outstanding purity, beautiful berries, tannin, drive, and complexity. The high alcohol content is hidden in this wine's skirts and is not noticeable! An eternal and sublime effort from a magician winemaker, Francois Mitjaville! 

Tertre Roteboeuf 2019 99-100p

Tasted twice - last time in November 2021. Consistent notes.  80% Merlot + 20% Cabernet Franc. A thick nose full of flower fragrances and blackberry aroma. Violets, wild cherries, cocoa powder, and chocolate. Creamy all the way. It's a magical wine with great flair, sophisticated touch, fatness, seamless structure, and silkiness. Again, an exceptional wine from Francois Mitjavile hits the roof! Wow!

Tertre Roteboeuf 2018 100p

Tasted three times (twice from the barrel, once from the bottle) - last time in April 2021. Consistent notes. Francois Mitjavile keeps on making unforgettable wine year after year. This wine magician seems to know precisely how to produce mind-boggling wines. It's so seamless, precise, focused, aromatic, and perfectly made that you can't believe it. I lack words to describe it further. An imposing nose of dark cherries/wild cherries/blueberries and blackberries. Simply surrealistically rich wine!100p (99-100p).

Tertre Roteboeuf 2017 96p

Tasted three times - last time in October 2019. Consistent notes. It's just magical wine from the hands of a real magician winemaker in Bordeaux. It has a fantastic nose of black fruit with immense delicacy and charisma. Subtle and creamy, with great complexity and depth. It is the wine of the vintage for me, and if you don't believe me, it will undoubtedly be among the top ten wines! It was a bit lighter and closed after bottling at the end of September 2019.

Tertre Roteboeuf 2016 99p 

Tasted four times - last time in October 2019. Consistent notes. This wine was purely magical and extravagant, with a fabulously scented nose and richness on the palate. You drink silk here! A bit more distinguished than 2015, it is.

Tertre Roteboeuf 2015 99p

Tasted four times - last time in October 2018. Consistent notes. It may be a long-standing cliché, but yet again, Francois Mitjavile produced one of the best wines of the 2015 vintage. Stunning appearance, complete and refined, excellent structure, and incredible personality.

Tertre Roteboeuf 2014 (barrel sample) 95+p

Tasted in March 2015. A fabulous aroma of cherries and chocolate, remarkable structure, acidity, and complexity. Yet another excellent wine from St.Emilion's magician winemaker!

Tertre Roteboeuf 2013 (barrel sample) 93p

Tasted twice - last time in March 2015. Consistent notes. This wine was gracious, aromatic, sublime, dense, ripe fruit, and fresh. Impeccable winemaking.

Tertre Roteboeuf 2012 95+p

Tasted six times - last time in October 2017. Consistent notes. This wine had a fabulous nose of black cherries and blueberries, great freshness, beautiful balance, velvety fruit, and tannin. Fabulously constructed wine that shows great class and style. Among the best wines of the vintage.

Tertre Roteboeuf 2011 96p

Tasted six times - last time in March 2014. Consistent notes. Black cherries covered by Valrhona chocolate all over the place, cocoa flavor. Excellent depth, length, and finish. Mid-palate is incredibly intense. Exceptional effort and another bull's eye from the magician winemaker, Francois Mitjavile. Immense quality, without any doubt.

Tertre Roteboeuf 2010 100p

Tasted six times - last time in October 2017. Consistent notes. This wine is no less than phenomenal now after bottling. It's the fifth time I've tasted it, and aging in oak has kicked this wine even higher in quality. What an intensity, opulence, richness, length, depth, velvety fruit and tannin, and silkiness. Wow!!

Tertre Roteboeuf 2009 96p

Tasted six times - last time in April 2022. Consistent notes. This wine displayed fabulous aromas of wild cherries and cocoa powder, seamless texture, stunning balance, great complexity, and sophisticated touch. A long, long finish underlined the beauty of this wine. This was in 2012. Almost ten years later, this wine is still performing excellently!

Tertre Roteboeuf 2008 94+p

Tasted three times - last time in November 2013. Consistent notes. It is intense, mineral, and muscular without overdone, with splendid fruit sweetness, sappiness, and well-balanced. It shows a good level of complexity, depth, and nuances. It's classic stuff from Tertre Roteboeuf, which needs to age.

Tertre Roteboeuf 2007 89p

Tasted six times - last time in November 2013. Not consistent notes. It is an aromatic, round wine, quite fleshy, showing silky fruit and silky tannins and finishing soft and tasty. Very seductive wine with delightful balance. It was not like that in November 2013 - tasted it twice in two days. Pleasantly fruity on the nose, clearly not from a vintage with much sun, of a bit of a "wet dog" smell, slightly aggressive on the palate, light, and a little four-squared. I tasted this wine three years ago, and it was much better – the downhill ride had just started.

Tertre Roteboeuf 2006 95p

Tasted five times - last time in November 2013. Consistent notes. Very aromatic, intense nose of black fruit, complex and rich, excellently showing on the palate with richness and depth, great finesse and elegance, great complexity, silky tannin, long, long finish. Incredible wine if you consider the problems of the vintage. Another magic stuff from Francois Mitjavile!

Tertre Roteboeuf 2005 99-100p

Tasted eleven times - last time in May 2015. Consistent notes. This wine has a strong aroma of dark cherries and blueberries, stunningly luscious, silky tannins, refined and sophisticated everywhere. Enormously rich and multidimensional. Phenomenal on the nose and palate! The depth, richness, and length of this wine are mind-boggling! A dream wine for a wine lover! It's a legend already and one of the best vintages ever produced here. This wine has already been eternal from its birth.

Tertre Roteboeuf 2004 94p

Tasted seven times - last time in April 2019. Consistent notes. Once again, Francois Mitjavile delivered incredibly sensual and sophisticated wine with perfectly ripe black fruit, impeccably balanced and with a delightful aftertaste. Great wine. In October 2012, it was charming and elegant, subtle, balanced, and long, and it had a fruity and caressing finish. It was closed and tight in April 2019.

Tertre Roteboeuf 2003 90p

Tasted four times - last time in November 2013. Not consistent notes. It is a pretty special wine that reflects the scorching weather conditions during summer. Very licorice, figs, heated fruit everywhere but not overripe. Plummy flavors. A well-balanced wine with fine length. It's not my cup of tea, and I honestly mean this wine isn't typical of Tertre Roteboeuf.

Tertre Roteboeuf 2002 90p

Tasted three times - last time in April 2007. Consistent notes. It is very aromatic with a lovely aroma of red fruit. Captivating and charming wine, light and ready to drink. 2008-2014.

Tertre Roteboeuf 2001 93p

Tasted four times - last time in November 2021. Not consistent notes. Some wine journalists believe this vintage is better than 2000 at several Right Bank properties. Honestly, it's certainly not the case here, as this wine has yet to reach the heights of 2000. Sweet fruit and tannin - yes, rich and sophisticated- yes, complex – yes, splendid balance – yes, great intensity, concentration, and length – no.

Tertre Roteboeuf 2000 99p

Tasted five times - last time in December 2016. Consistent notes. A mastodont of wine, master class, and a fantastic effort. Its style is like 1998 but with greater richness, depth, complexity, intensity, and concentration. Incredibly sophisticated and refined. Mega long aftertaste, which lasts more than one minute. Heaven!

Tertre Roteboeuf 1998 98p

Tasted three times - last time in November 2013. Consistent notes. Tasted during early summer in 2000, this wine's complexity, richness, and raisiny lusciousness were overwhelming. A fabulous aroma of superbly concentrated berries with a rarely-seen degree of depth and finesse. Extremely dense on the palate and with the aftertaste, which lasts several minutes. It was like driving in an expensive sports car (Porsche or Lamborghini), purchased at half the regular price! Thirteen years later, in November 2013, it was aristocratic on the nose with excellent intensity of sweet cherries, rich and intense, great sweetness, great complexity, sensual and silky, luscious, tannin is covered in fruit and perfectly integrated. Incredibly long fruity finish. Magic stuff from Francois Mitjavile!

Tertre Roteboeuf 1997 87p

Tasted in November 2013. Round, charming, light, and soft. Very flavorful, tasty, and well-balanced. It's perfectly drinkable now, and it won't get any better.

Tertre Roteboeuf 1994 86p

Tasted three times - last time in April 2007. Not consistent notes and even the magician touch of Francois Mitjavile couldn't help this vintage that much. The awful weather and rain diluted the wine, edgy and light. Drink it soon. 

Tertre Roteboeuf 1993 86p

Tasted three times - last time in April 2007. Not consistent notes. The same impression as 1994. 

Tertre Roteboeuf 1991 88p

Tasted in April 2002. It was a big surprise considering how difficult this vintage was to make due to spring frost and rain during harvest. Full of life, surprisingly well-concentrated, harmonious, pleasant, and tasty fruit. It should be consumed before the end of 2007. 

Tertre Roteboeuf 1990 94p

Tasted four times - last time in November 2011. Not consistent notes. Still youthful with an extensive and sparkling nose of black fruit (blackberries), a perfectly ripe one. Chewy and meaty on the palate with striking freshness, balance, and caressing aftertaste. Remarkable depth and structure with plenty of perfectly ripe blackberries/blueberries on the palate. Fabulous wine and a sure bet for keeping 20 years more! This was in November 2011. In December 2016, it turned out insignificant and was light and somewhat mute. 92p.

Tertre Roteboeuf 1989 95p

Tasted five times - last time in December 2006. Consistent notes. It's still not fully developed. Sun-ripe fruit and fat tannin complement each other perfectly, with deep structure, sophisticated on the palate, and long aftertaste, although with a bitter sensation in the end. Outstanding wine. It can be consumed now but will be on top in 3-5 years. 

Tertre Roteboeuf 1988 93p

Tasted twice - last time in March 2000. Consistent notes. It is an incredibly entertaining wine with beautiful balance, perfectly ripe raspberry, cherry fruit, a raisiny scent, and great intensity. It has a lovely structure and impressive length on the palate. It's just delicious - you can easily hold on for 3-5 years.

Tertre Roteboeuf 1987 89p

Tasted in October 2007. Lovely wine, elegant, raisiny, still very much alive. Fine winemaking. Perfect for drinking now.

Tertre Roteboeuf 1985 90p

Tasted three times - last time in November 1998. Consistent notes. Deep red. Solid, spicy raspberries, raisiny sweetness, well-composed and refined, long on the palate. Fabulous wine, which is at its peak now (November 1998). The first vintage was when Tertre Roteboeuf "enjoyed" new oak (50% new oak, not 100% as Robert Parker mentions in his book about Bordeaux). Francois Mitjavile's importer in England convinced him that using new oak would give the wine unseen possibilities, and this Englishman also sponsored the purchase of new barriques.

Tertre Roteboeuf 1982 88p

Tasted in November 1998. Not consistent notes. Dark-red, raspberry-marmalade, delicious, fine length on the palate. Splendid and ready-to-drink wine that won't gain from further keeping. I can't stop thinking how better this wine could have been if it had been "treated" with new oak. Francois Mitjavile believes that 1982 was the first vintage where his ideas on how wine should be made came true. 

It's hilarious to find out how a fine wine ages. The last time I tasted this wine was 21 years ago, and I wrote at that time that it wouldn't benefit from further cellaring and rated it 88p. When I retasted it in April 2019, it was much better than 21 years ago (!) and had a very significant soil character of the property. Terrific wine! 93p. It also rubbishes with aplomb several media wine claims that Tertre Roteboueuf can't age for longer than 20-25 years.

Tertre Roteboeuf 1981 89p

Tasted twice - last time in October 2007. Consistent notes. The yield was only 11 hl/ha! Red-brown in color, still fresh, round, and in a delicate balance. Subtle, raisiny, elegant, spicy raspberry fruit. Fine quality. It is perfect for drinking now, too.

During several visits to TR between 1987-2013, I also tasted the following vintages of Tertre Roteboeuf - 1976, 1979, 1983, 1984, and 1986, which all merited ratings between 87-89p.

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Francois Mitjavile (left) and me - taken during Commanderie de Bordeaux dinner in Copenhagen, November 2013

In November 2013, Francois Mitjavile visited Copenhagen, Denmark, to conduct two tastings: Commanderie de Bordeaux, the Copenhagen chapter, and the Danish wine journalists.

During two days, I tasted the following Tertre Roteboeuf: 2012, 2011, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2003, 2001, 2000, 1998 and 1997 and several vintages of Roc de Cambes: 2012, 2011, 2006, 2005, 2000 and 1998.

CHÂTEAU ROC DE CAMBES

At the beginning of 1987, Francois Mitjavile received a telephone call from a close friend. "Francois, an exciting property is for sale in Côtes de Bourg". The next day, he took to Roc de Cambes, looked at the site in the pouring rain, put his finger in the soil, and analyzed the "sample". After ultra-short thinking, he said: "I am buying this".

The Côtes de Bourg district is about 30 km southwest of Saint-Émilion, on the right bank of Dordogne-river. Most of the wines here are rustic and simple, but you also find a handful of well-made, concentrated, and complex wines at reasonable prices.

Roc de Cambes' vineyard is situated on slopes, creating almost an oval circle down the valley. The vineyard is separated from Dordogne's right bank by Domaine de Cambes (a part of the original Roc de Cambes – this wine is sold separately), whose vineyard stretches from the slope almost down the water.

There are 12 vines planted with 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec. The soil is a blend of chalk and clay, and the vines are 50 years old. The vineyard lies near the river, ensuring a stable microclimate and preventing winter or summer frost from attacking vines.

When Francois Mitjavile bought Roc de Cambes, it was in quite bad shape, and he immediately put renovation and modernizing in full swing. Experiences gained from work at Tertre Roteboeuf were the main reason he made Roc de Cambes an unrivaled top wine of the district in just two years.

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Roc de Cambes 2021 (barrel sample) 92+p

Tasted in April 2022. Fresh, quite intense on the nose with violets and roses, mineral, spicy, discreet oak, vibrant on the palate, splendid structure, and complexity. It's superb winemaking from Francois Mitjaville and a gem to enjoy in 10-15 years. 

Roc de Cambes 2020 (barrel sample) 94p

Tasted in May 2021. Made by magician winemaker Francois Mitjavile from Tertre Roteboeuf. It is more elegant than usual, with a velvety texture, vibrant and complex. Excellent mid-palate, great structure, and long-lasting finish. Sublime stuff.

Roc de Cambes 2019 93-94p

Tasted in June 2020. 85% Merlot + 15% Cabernet Franc. 85% Merlot + 15% C. Franc. It tasted identically from the bottle as from the barrel! Big, fully packed nose of black fruit, very intense, complex with creamy berries on the palate, splendid acidity and length, delicate complexity, velvety texture, and persistent finish. Tremendous effort!

Roc de Cambes 2018 (barrel sample) 94p

Tasted twice - last time in October 2019. Consistent notes. Powerful, packed with large quantities of black cherries and fat tannin, and great complexity and length. It is probably the best Roc de Cambes ever! 

Roc de Cambes 2017 92p

Tasted three times - last time in October 2019. Consistent notes. Potent, creamy, long, and complex. Entertaining wine of superb quality!

Roc de Cambes 2016 94p

Tasted four times - last time in October 2019. Consistent notes. This wine was imposing on the nose with great aromatic intensity, concentrated on the palate with great complexity, depth, and fat fruity aftertaste. This is a riveting effort.

Roc de Cambes 2015 93p

Tasted four times - last time in October 2018. Consistent notes. As usual, it was filled with dark fruit on the nose and palate, potent and with a strong backbone, earthy flavors on the palate, and a long aftertaste.

Roc de Cambes 2014 (barrel sample) 92p

Tasted in March 2015. This wine was compelling, strong, and intense on the nose with blueberries and black cherries, with superb balance and a firm aftertaste containing ripe flavors. It is a terrific effort and reminds me of the 2008 vintage style.

Roc de Cambes 2013 (barrel sample) 88p

Tasted twice - last time in March 2015. Not consistent notes. It had very ripe fruit, a different style than usual, and a soft and mellow structure. Lighter structure. In March 2015, it displayed a jammy scent and dry tannin.

Roc de Cambes 2012 92p

Tasted five times - last time in October 2017. Consistent notes. Black cherries, chocolate, tasty, attractive, sappy and fresh, splendid acidity and velvety finish. Superb for the vintage.

Roc de Cambes 2011 92p

Tasted seven times - last time in March 2014. Consistent notes. Extremely aromatic, black cherries everywhere, grilled flavors, perfect balance, mineral, sappy, persistent, and meaty aftertaste. Impressive effort.

Roc de Cambes 2010 94p

Tasted seven times - in last time in October 2017. Consistent notes. It was a potent and strong wine, intense on the nose, with chocolate and black cherries and many big, fat, ripe tannins. Everything was in excellent balance. It is a fantastic wine with a tremendous aromatic touch and complexity. Undoubtedly, it's the best RDC I've ever experienced here.

Roc de Cambes 2009 92p

Tasted five times - last time in October 2012. Consistent notes. This wine was potent, strong, and intense on the nose, with blueberries and black cherries, superb balance, and a firm aftertaste containing ripe flavors. It was a spectacular effort in the same class as 2005.

Roc de Cambes 2008 91p

Tasted three times - last time in October 2010. Consistent notes. This wine was potent, strong, and intense on the nose, with blueberries and black cherries, superb balance, and a firm aftertaste containing ripe flavors. Terrific effort.

Roc des Cambes 2007 88p

Tasted four times - last time in October 2010. Consistent notes had a lovely aroma of black cherries and blackcurrants, an excellent structure, and pretty well-balanced—very seductive and charming wine.

Roc des Cambes 2006 90p

We tasted it five times - the last time in November 2013. Consistent notes. Attractive cherry nose with splendid purity, very sappy on the palate, perfectly ripe fruit, superb balance, striking complexity, and persistent finish. Great for the vintage.

Roc des Cambes 2005 93p

Tasted nine times - last time in November 2013. Consistent notes. Thick aroma, thick intensity, hobs of black fruit mixed with chocolate, fat fruit, and tannic with a perfect level of ripeness, velvety texture, excellent balance, incredible sweetness, and long, fruity finish. It's simply stunning wine, my all-time favorite Roc de Cambes, and the 2010 version.

Roc des Cambes 2004 92p 

Tasted five times - last time in October 2012. Consistent notes. It is a spicy and robust wine, full-bodied, black cherries everywhere. Fine length and delicate aftertaste.

Roc des Cambes 2003 89p

Tasted twice - last time in April 2007. Consistent notes. It is an intense, spicy, aromatic wine with no sign of excessive dryness and overheated fruit. Francois Mitjavile can be proud of this one.

Roc de Cambes 2001 88p

Tasted in April 2009. It is a spicy and robust wine, full-bodied, black cherries everywhere. Fine length and delicate aftertaste.

Roc de Cambes 2000 93p

Tasted twice - last time in March 2014. Consistent notes. It is very potent and intense and looks pretty young, so evolution is slow, mineral, rich, long, and has many good years of further development. Impressive stuff.

Roc de Cambes 1998 89p

Tasted in November 2013. Mineral, sappy, well-defined, delicate balance, and soft fruity finish. On the verge of being fully matured.

 

Roc de Cambes 1995 90p

Tasted twice - last time in April 2007. Consistent notes. Still young - opened first after 10 minutes in the glass. Aromatic berry fruit is well-structured, with plenty of fine ingredients to build on. Long and powerful aftertaste.

Roc de Cambes 1991 87p

Tasted in September 2013. From the year of "gelée noir" (black frost). This wine was still going well on its "legs", well-preserved but slightly jammy, nicely balanced, and charming.

Roc de Cambes 1990 92p

Tasted twice - last time in April 2007. Consistent notes. It was the third vintage from this property under Francois Mitjavile's reign and a beautiful one. It is an incredibly delightful, aromatic, perfectly balanced wine with truffles and cherry compote. Utterly seductive and tasty. Fabulous stuff!

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