Roc de Cambes 2021

The 2021 Roc de Cambes exhibits aromas of dark berries, orange zest, espresso roast, smoked meats and licorice, followed by a medium- to full-bodied, layered and lively palate that has turned out to be, as I observed from barrel, an especially elegant rendition of this superb clay-limestone terroir in the Côtes de Bourg.

The 2021 Roc de Cambes is basically identical to the nose I encountered in barrel, and it retains its Burgundy/Pinot allure—fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with just a touch of reduction on the entry and tensile tannins, leading to notes of white pepper and clove. This is linear toward the finish, lingering in the mouth, a lovely Côtes de Bourg that should drink well for over a decade.

Cigar wrapper, forest floor, spicy, leafy, savory red berries, and a strong dose of crushed stone on the nose and palate set you up for the endnote, which finishes with salty tannins and earthy, leafy, fresh, vibrant red fruits. Drink from 2023-2037. 91-93

The 2021 Roc De Cambes also does incredibly well in the vintage. Ripe framboise, toasted spice, creamy vanilla, and floral notes all emerge from the glass, and it's medium-bodied, with a round, supple, elegant mouthfeel, silky tannins, and a great finish. It's a classic 2021 in its lively, mid-weight, yet charming, supple style and is perfect for drinking over the coming decade or so.

As always, Roc de Cambes 2021 is an impressive wine that confirms the high ratings from the en primeur tastings. Super-rich, ripe and assertive, it feels as powerful as ever without being heavy. Its intense presence shows plenty of liqueur-like cassis top notes, enriched with tar, chocolate, citrus and roasted thyme. A very spicy and complex Roc on the nose. On the palate, it reveals a large, expansive structure, with tremendous flesh and freshness. Since 2021 appears less opulent than usual, its fine tannic framework brings the brilliant Cabernet Sauvignon presence to the fore. A Roc de Cambes that captivates with its taut musculature, usually wrapped in a fur coat. 13.5% vol. alcohol.

Kunz barrel sample 2022: (80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc) Creamy, velvety, fresh, finely opulent, powerful, sweet-scented bouquet: plum compote, dried fruits, pralines, fine toasted notes. Densely woven, elegant, creamy palate with fresh, creamy fruit, fine tannins, a varied, powerful, sweet-tinged aromatic profile, finely opulent structure, and a long, powerful, fragrant finish with sweet after-notes.

Smoked sandalwood, tar, grilled damson, tobacco, peach pit, blueberry and cassis. Owner François Mitjavile feels the aromatic quality of a vintage can be saved by barrels rather than lost by it, and manages even in this challenging vintage to get the 100% new oak barrels to add fragrance and nuance rather than being overpowering. One to look out for, this will be ready in a year or two, and offer prime drinking for at least another decade.

The nose is fresh, elegant, deep and complex, driven by freshness especially on the spicy side, and offers a hint of candied character, a lovely fine grain, fine intensity (in depth), a certain brightness as well as roundness. It reveals notes of ripe/fresh blackberry and violet, and more slightly coffee, combined with touches of bright red berries/small red fruits, as well as fine hints of toasted bread, camphor and a discreet touch of star anise. The palate is beautifully mineral, fresh, elegant and pleasant, offering a bright/shimmering fruit profile, indulgence, tension, lovely elegance, good definition, precision and complexity. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of pulpy/bright cherry, blackberry and, more slightly, blackcurrant, combined with fine touches of plum blossom and roasting, as well as a subtle hint of toast, cardamom and vanilla pod. The tannins are small, supple, racy and elegant. A subtle chew on the finish/persistence.

Beautifully intense fruit profile of black cherry, fig, cassis syrup, and candied blackberry, lifted by a touch of nutmeg and sandalwood. Complex yet propulsive, with a deep, plunging character. Full-flavored, ample attack. Mid‑palate, the texture tightens, driven by a lovely salinity and cool menthol freshness. Chalky tannins chisel the wine and sheath it. A graceful, mouthwatering wine without the slightest rough edge.