Domaine de Cambes 2021

Characteristics and tasting tips for Domaine de Cambes 2021

Tasting

Color

The color reveals a deep ruby red hue with garnet and purple highlights, bearing witness to the optimal ripeness of the grapes and careful phenolic extraction.

Nose

The nose reveals remarkable aromatic intensity, dominated by notes of ripe black fruit such as blackberry, black cherry, and plum. Aromas of red fruit like cherry and raspberry complete this fruity palette. With aeration, secondary notes of cedar, camphor, sandalwood, and sweet spices (black pepper, clove) are unveiled, accompanied by floral touches of dried rose, incense, licorice, and menthol. Subtle nuances of smoked meat and bacon add a savory dimension to the ensemble.

Palate

On the palate, the wine presents a medium to full body, generous and voluminous. The attack is immediate and rich, with flavors of macerated black cherry, plum, blackberry jam, and cherry. The tannins are silky and fine, perfectly integrated thanks to extended aging. The texture is sumptuous and velvety, with a glyceric presence that brings roundness and ripeness. The mid-palate reveals remarkable depth, with flavors of black fruit, spices (white pepper, cinnamon), and well-integrated oak. Notes of eucalyptus bring an herbaceous and mineral freshness. Despite the richness and opulence, the wine retains surprising elegance and freshness. The finish is long, persistent, and complex, with a perfect balance between fruit, oak, acidity, and tannins.

Food and wine pairings

Domaine de Cambes 2021 pairs perfectly with roasted or grilled red meats, notably beef and lamb. It is also a delightful accompaniment to braised meats like beef bourguignon, game (venison, duck, wild boar) prepared in sauce, as well as duck breast with cherries. Mushroom-based preparations, such as truffle risotto, also constitute a harmonious pairing. For lovers of vegetarian cuisine, this wine goes well with Mediterranean vegetables like ratatouille with Herbes de Provence.

Service and storage

Domaine de Cambes 2021 is ideally served at a temperature of 16 to 17°C. Decanting for two hours or opening thirty minutes to an hour before serving is recommended to allow the wine to open up fully and integrate its various aromatic components. This wine can be enjoyed now but will continue to evolve until around 2037, or even beyond.

An exceptional Bordeaux by the Mitjavile family

The estate

The Domaine de Cambes is the second wine of Château Roc de Cambes, a property acquired in 1988 by François Mitjavile. A visionary recognized as one of the most influential winemakers in contemporary Bordeaux, François Mitjavile revolutionized Bordeaux viticultural practices through his philosophy of late harvests and minimalist winemaking. Today, it is his daughter Nina Mitjavile who manages Château Roc de Cambes and oversees the production of Domaine de Cambes. The Mitjavile family also owns the prestigious Château Tertre Roteboeuf in Saint-Émilion and Domaine de l'Aurage in Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux. Deliberately refusing any official classification, the family prioritizes the authentic expression of the terroir and the absolute quality of its wines.

The vineyard

Domaine de Cambes comes mainly from plots located on the "paluds," alluvial plains at the foot of the slopes of Château Roc de Cambes, as well as plot selections from the slopes. These terroirs present more alluvial and siliceous soils, enriched with organic matter, which give the wine a more immediate and supple approach compared to the Grand Vin. The vineyard benefits from an exceptional microclimate thanks to its proximity to the Gironde estuary, which moderates temperatures and protects the vines from winter frosts while bringing summer freshness. The vineyard comprises mainly Merlot (about 65%), complemented by Cabernet Franc (about 30%) and Malbec. The vines, averaging forty to fifty years old, are managed according to a sustainable farming philosophy, with permanent grass cover and short Cordon de Royat pruning. This demanding viticultural management naturally limits yields and favors grape concentration.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage in Bordeaux presented particular challenges with a marked winter frost episode, followed by milder spring conditions favoring flowering at the end of May. June and July were particularly rainy, with weather instability observed between mid-July and mid-August. Despite these contrasting conditions, the harvest allowed for the gathering of grapes that had reached optimal aromatic and phenolic ripeness, while preserving sufficient acidity to guarantee balance and aging potential.

Winemaking and aging

The winemaking of Domaine de Cambes 2021 follows the philosophy of minimal intervention dear to the Mitjavile family. After rigorous selection of the hand-picked grapes, fermentation takes place in concrete vats with indigenous yeasts, without strict temperature control, allowing for slow and refined extraction of tannins and aromas. The wine is then aged for eighteen months in new French oak barrels coming exclusively from the Radoux cooperage. During this period, regular racking allows for progressive oxygenation favoring aromatic complexity and the harmonious integration of the wood. This patient and respectful approach allows Domaine de Cambes 2021 to fully express its character while maintaining the distinctive signature of the Mitjavile family.

Grape varieties

Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec.