Domaine de Cambes Bordeaux 2021

Domaine de Cambes is made by Francois Mitjaville, the grower behind Chateau Le Tertre Roteboeuf, under the AOC Bordeaux Superieur. It is a Bordeaux blend of Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, made in the ripe, generous style for which Mitjaville is known. The right-bank clay and limestone soils suit Merlot, which ripens fully to give flesh and dark plum, while the Cabernets contribute structure and a leafy, savoury lift. Mitjaville favours late picking for full ripeness, which builds the wine's rounded fruit. It is raised fourteen months in French oak, where gradual oxygen exchange through the wood softens the tannin and layers cedar and spice over the fruit, while malolactic fermentation settles the acidity into a supple frame. The colour is deep ruby. The nose offers ripe cherry and red fruit, liquorice, sweet tobacco and a cedary, earthy note. The palate is medium to full bodied, the tannin ripe and fine, the finish long and savoury at fourteen per cent. Decant an hour ahead and serve at 17 degrees. It pairs with roast and grilled meat.