Chateau Camensac Haut Medoc Bordeaux, Complete Guide

Learn everything about Chateau Camensac Haut Medoc Fifth Growth producer with wine tasting notes and wine with food pairing tips. Learn the best vintages, a history of the property, information on the vineyards and winemaking. If you want to read about other important, Bordeaux Chateaux: Links to all Bordeaux Wine Producer Profiles

Chateau Camensac History, Overview

Today, Chateau Camensac is perhaps, one of the more obscure, 1855 Classified Growths in the Medoc. The original chateau which is still in use today was constructed in the 18th century. Chateau Camensac was purchased by the Forner family in 1965.

The Forner family first became active in winemaking in Spain, where they own the popular, Marques de Caceres winery. Marques de Caceres is located in the Rioja appellation of Spain. Their experience in the Spanish wine trade proved helpful in knowing what to do next, which was to renovate the estate and replant their vineyards.

They also modified the estate’s name slightly in 1988 when they changed it from, Chateau de Camensac to just Chateau Camensac. They also hired the successful wine consultant Michel Rolland as well. Michel Rolland does not consult Chateau Camensac today.

In 2005, Chateau Camensac was purchased by Jean Merlaut and his niece, Celine Villars Loubet. In 2014, Claire Thomas-Chenard joined the team as the director of the estate. Claire Thomas-Chenard is well-known for her work at Chateau Soutard and Chateau Larmande in St. Emilion.

Chateau Camensac Vineyard, Terroir, Grapes, Winemaking

The 65-hectare, Left Bank vineyard of Chateau Camensac is planted to 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. Previously, the vineyard featured other Bordeaux grape varieties, but based on the suggestion of Emile Peynaud, they reduced the number of different grape varietals to just two, which is what remains planted in their vineyard today.

Currently, the estate is slowly working on replanting the entire program which began in 2007, replanting up to 5 hectares at a time. By 2020, the average age of the vines was young. However, as the vines continue to age, this should become a much better wine.

Chateau Camensac is situated slightly east of the southern tip of St. Julien appellation. In fact, their vineyards are not that far from Chateau Beychevelle. They are also close to other well-known Medoc vineyards including Chateau La Tour Carnet and Chateau Belgrave. The terroir of Chateau Camensac is mostly gravel-based soil. They have gentle slopes in the vineyards that reach up to 23 meters at their peak.

The vineyard is planted to a vine density of 10,000 vines per hectare. The goal is to maintain the average vine age at about 35 years of age. Picking is conducted using a combination of machine harvesting and manual pickers. Since 2016, the property has slowly been converting its farming to organic methods.

The vinification of Chateau Camensac takes place in temperature-controlled, stainless steel vats. Malolactic fermentation is performed in a combination of vat and barrel. The wines of Chateau Camensac are aged for an average of 17 to 20 months in French, oak barrels that range from 35% to 70% new, French oak, depending on the character and the needs of the vintage.

The estate also produces a second wine, previously called La Closerie de Camensac. The second wine has been aptly renamed Second de Camensac. The average annual production of Chateau Camensac is close to 20,000 cases per vintage.

The best vintages of Chateau Camensac are: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2010 and 2009 and 2005.

When to Drink Chateau Camensac, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Chateau Camensac needs some time before it can be enjoyed. Young vintages can be decanted for an average of 1-2 hours, give or take. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment.

Chateau Camensac is usually better with at least 6-9 years of bottle age. Of course, that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage character. Chateau Camensac offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 7-17 years of age after the vintage.

Serving and Decanting Chateau Camensac, with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips

Chateau Camensac is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift. The wine of Chateau Camensac is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes.

Chateau Camensac is a perfect match with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta as well as cheese.

www.chateaucamensac.com