Roc de Cambes Cotes de Bourg Bordeaux, Complete Guide

Learn everything about Roc de Cambes Cotes de Bourg 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

Roc de Cambes History, Overview

Roc de Cambes is located in the Cotes de Bourg appellation. This is not that far from St. Emilion. In fact, the estate’s geographical location provided the inspiration for the name of the domaine, as it is located in the commune of St. Laurent des Combes.

Soon after Francois Mitjavile purchased the vineyard in late 1987, he named his new winery, Chateau Roc de Cambes. When the owner, Francois Mitjavile purchased the estate in 1988.

At the time, Roc de Cambes required extensive replanting work in the vineyards and modernizations in the cellars. The chateau that was constructed in the mid to late 1700s also needed renovations.

1998 marked the debut vintage for Domaine Roc de Cambes. That name was shortened to Roc de Cambes in 1994. The vineyard is situated not far from the Bordeaux city center and it is also less than 30 kilometers due south of St. Emilion.

Interestingly, Roc de Cambes has a terroir that is not much different from Tertre Roteboeuf, their legendary, St. Emilion estate, which is also owned by the Mitjavile family. That explains in part, why Roc de Cambes was purchased by the Mitjavile family.

Roc de Cambes Vineyards, Terroir, Grapes, Winemaking

The 12.5-hectare vineyard of Roc de Cambes is planted to 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Malbec and Cabernet Franc vines have been removed from the vineyard. The terroir is mostly limestone and clay soils, similar to what you find in the Right Bank of Bordeaux, especially in Saint Emilion.

The vineyard has south by southwest exposure on the peak of a plateau, with a view of the river. The vines are old. In fact, many of their vines used for Roc de Cambes are close to an impressive 50 years of age. They have vines that are more than 50 years old, which adds to the concentration, character and complexity of the wines.

Roc de Cambes is vinified in traditional concrete vats. Malolactic fermentation takes place in French oak barrels. The wine is then aged in an average of 50% new, French oak barrels for between 18 to 24 months before bottling.

They also produce Domaine de Cambes, which is not considered a second wine, as it comes from a different terroir and grape source. Domaine de Cambes is not in the boundaries of the Cotes de Bourg appellation.

The vines are much further down the slopes and they are closer to the Gironde, creating a cooler terroir with more clay in the soils as well.

However, the Merlot-dominated blend used for Domaine de Cambes can be quite similar to Roc de Cambes. Domaine de Cambes, unlike Roc de Cambes is labeled and sold as a Bordeaux AOC wine.

The best vintages of Roc de Cambes are: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2009 and 2005.

When to Drink Roc de Cambes, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Chateau Roc de Cambes is much better with at least 4-6 years of aging in good vintages. Young vintages can be decanted for 1 hour to 90 minutes. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume.

Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment. Chateau Roc de Cambes offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 5-15 years of age after the vintage.

Serving Roc de Cambes with Wine and Food Pairings

Roc de Cambes is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift.

Roc de Cambes is best paired with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes.

Roc de Cambes is also good when matched with Asian dishes, rich fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta.

Today, Roc de Cambes is clearly an easy contender for the top Bordeaux from the Cotes de Bourg appellation. The Mitjavile family recently added Domaine lAurage to their holdings.

Located in the Cotes de Castillon appellation, the debut vintage for Domaine l’Aurage was 2007. It’s definitely an estate to watch in the Cotes de Bordeaux appellation as it combines quality, character, and price.

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