Roc de Cambes 2012

Interesting comparing the Roc des Cambes with the Tertre-Roteboeuf, for here there is a little more drive and intensity on the nose, more volume emanating from the glass with pomegranate and cranberry scents intermingling with fresh gravel notes. The palate is soft and sensual on the entry with layers of fleshy red berry fruit. The tannins have a Burgundy-like finesse and there is a lovely touch of Schezhuan pepper numbing the tip of the tongue on the finish. This will be a fascinating Roc des Cambes. Tasted April 2013.

80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark cassis colour, darker fruited and more mineral than Tertre Roteboeuf, not as sweet tasting. Savoury, fine grained, tightly structured, the Cabernet Sauvignon perhaps revealing its presence in an attractive austerity but also a zestiness. Much more to come. (JH)

The greatest wine of all of the satellite appellations of Bordeaux and often close in quality to the same owner's top Saint Emilion, Le Tertre Roteboeuf. A wine for those "in the know". The blend here is 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec. This is a sumptuous, smooth, creamy wine with a blackberry purée richness. The palate is plump, supple, and silky with touches of exotic Eastern spices from 100% new oak. Forward and approachable, this sexy and voluptuous wine will give great pleasure to hedonists at an early age.

There is an attractive mix of flavours on the nose all mainly black fruit in character. Ripe cassis is backed by bramble and bilberry with the sweeter fruit giving richness on the back palate. Bramble and bilberry refresh but the finish has depth and richness of flavour. 2018-35.

One of the superstar châteaux of the Bordeaux Côtes, François Mitjavile's red is always a wine with plenty of texture and concentration, not to mention alcohol in 2012. This is intense, aromatic and plush, with raspberry aromas, a hint of leafy complexity, a rich, complex texture and firmish tannins. Drink: 2020-28