Roc de Cambes 2009

The 2009 Roc de Cambes is quite backward like the 2009 La Gomerie with ample redcurrant, raspberry, loam and sandalwood aromas eventually coming through with aeration. It does not quite possess the cohesion of its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, velvety smooth in texture with a lovely dash of black pepper and clove that infuses the plush red fruit. Firmly into its secondary phase, this feels à point, though I appreciate the persistency on the finish. Very fine. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting. 2019 - 2035

Very dark crimson. Thick and dense and super-juicy nose. Very sweet front palate but different from the usual souped-up right bank wines. Sweet but energetic too. Really lively berry flavours. Long and rich. Lovely wine and not over the top. Date tasted 28th March 2010. Drink 2016-2028.

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". 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec. Beautifully pretty Burgundian nose, floral like a Chambolle Musigny. Plush fruit and sweet aromatic new oak. Fleshy, supple and packed with red strawberry fruit. Pretty and fine. Lovely, stylish and individual.

Tasted at Tertre-Roteboeuf. Ripe brambly black fruit on the nose, very well defined with crushed stone, a touch of blackberry, briary and a hint of black olive. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine, tensile tannins, a tangible sense of tension in this Roc de Combes, an almost saline note towards the finish that is very well defined, showing just a little hardness at the moment, though that will soften by the time of bottling. Tasted March 2010.