This cool, clay-rich soil played a crucial role in 2022. In Bordeaux, the growing season was hot and dry, with repeated heat waves beginning in the latter half of June; although precipitation was extremely low, nights remained relatively cool. The majority of the red wine grapes for this entire region were harvested in September. At Domaine de Cambes, the grapes are hand-harvested once full phenolic ripeness is achieved; they are sorted on the vine and then sorted again in the cellar.
The winemaking process emphasizes slow and minimal extraction; the wine is then aged in new French oak barrels in an un-air-conditioned cellar to ensure a steady exchange of oxygen. The result is a wine characterized by aromas of dark cherry and tobacco, with a savoury, subtly salty finish and a mellower flavor profile than Roc de Cambes. Serve at 16-18 °C. This wine is best enjoyed between 2027 and 2040.
Robert Parker (92)
Offering up aromas of dark berries, berries, espresso roast and toasty oak, the 2022 Domaine de Cambes is medium to full-bodied, layered, fleshy and concentrated, with a sweet core of fruit and a saline finish. It's produced from vines growing on deep, cool clays on the foggy bank of the Gironde and is always more giving than the firmer, more structured Roc de Cambes from higher-altitude clay-limestone soils.
Jancis Robinson (16.5)
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample.
Ripe but refined with luscious fruit and freshness as well. Added note of complexity so not just the expression of fruit. Could be heady but handles the alcohol well. Delicious. James Lawther MW
Vinous (91)
The 2022 Domaine des Cambes showcases impressive purity of fruit on the nose with scents of black cherry, crushed violet and hints of iodine. It's very perfumed with neatly integrated oak. The palate is lithe and pure, not far from the Côte de Nuits in terms of fruit profile, with a touch of black pepper and graphite toward the finish. This is very fine.
Jeb Dunnuck (95)
The 2022 Domaine De Cambes is stunning stuff, exhibiting a deep ruby/purple hue as well as killer notes of blackcurrants, graphite, crushed stone, and smoky oak. Medium to full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, with serious depth and elegance, it has the depth and the structure to age beautifully 20+ years.
