Roc de Cambes 2016

The 2016 Roc de Cambes has turned out beautifully, unwinding in the glass with rich aromas of cassis and cherries mingled with a rich patina of dark chocolate, spices and cigar wrapper. Full-bodied, deep and muscular, its ample, concentrated core is framed by powdery tannins and impressively lively acids. While it's unavoidably marked by its time in 100% new wood, it's the best integrated "great" vintage of Roc de Cambes I can remember tasting at such an early stage. Include it in a blind tasting a decade from now and watch it slay plenty of heavyweight Right Bank names.

The 2016 Roc de Cambes has a lovely bouquet of blackberry, dark chocolate, wilted rose petals and subtle minty top notes. The palate is medium-bodied with furry tannins. A voluminous, mouth-filling wine, revealing sage and leathery notes toward the substantial finish. This was a divisive wine at the tasting, but personally, I find it very attractive. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. 2022 - 2050

Roc de Cambes 2016 has a deep garnet color, with a touch of purple. It jumps up with exuberant scents of crushed black plums, juicy mulberries, and black raspberries, plus suggestions of iron ore, smoked meats, and cardamom with a touch of forest floor. Full-bodied, concentrated and with beautifully ripe, rounded tannins, the flamboyant fruit is offset by great freshness, finishing long with exotic spice notes coming through.

Edgy, lightly brûlée. A different character from the Dom de Cambes but not necessarily superior. Very rich.Drink 2024-2040