Roc de Cambes 2022

Chalky nose, radiant fruit, violets, Christmas spices, dried herbs, plenty of depth; on the palate, dense and full-bodied, polished tannins wrap around the crisp fruit, full of energy, with great structure, breed, and impressive aromatic complexity and length. Can, must age.

Ripe and concentrated on the nose, perfumed and vibrant, expressive with the green pepper, herbaceousness of the Cabernet speaking, some menthol aromas and black fruits. Ripe and juicy though densely textured in the mouth, plush and fleshy but stays cool and firm with liquorice and cool blueberry fruits alongside dark chocolate and mineral elements giving nuance. Feels structured and well worked, tight right now, but persistent. Textured, grippy, ripe, fleshy but clean and pure too. A nice, strong, intensity about this.

The 2022 Roc de Cambes is stellar. Blackberry, espresso, licorice, menthol, pine and incense open first as this dark, unctuous Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend makes its presence known. A wine of textural resonance and concentration, Roc de Cambes is seriously impressive in 2022. In fact, this is one of the very finest vintages I have tasted. I would give the 2022 a few years to shed some baby fat.

Deeply colored, the nose opens with licorice, mint, cocoa, and dark red pit fruit aromatics. The palate follows with salty red pit fruits, juicy plums, and dark chocolate, finishing with a chalky note. The wine blends 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. ABV 15%. Drink from 2027–2042.

The 2022 Roc De Cambes is brilliant and yet another richly textured, concentrated, impressive wine from the team at Tertre Roteboeuf. Darker currants, chocolaty oak, cigar tobacco, and graphite are just some of its nuances, and it’s medium to full-bodied, has a pure, layered mouthfeel, sweet tannins, and a great finish. It promises 15+ years of prime drinking.