In the glass
Aroma: cassis, blackberry, truffle, cedar spice, menthol
Palate: rich cherry, polished tannins, fresh structure, dark fruit concentration
A revived Fifth Growth finding its stride under the Merlaut family: Cabernet-forward Haut-Médoc structure with dark fruit, cedar and characteristic menthol freshness from deep gravel soils near Saint-Julien.
What it pairs with
-
Rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic
The wine's cedar and dark fruit structure complement the herb-forward minerality of roasted rack of lamb. -
Beef daube with root vegetables
The wine's firm structure and dark fruit gain complexity from slow-cooked beef with earthy root vegetables. -
Mushroom and truffle risotto
Earthy truffle and mushroom umami resonate with the wine's truffle-inflected nose and dark fruit.
How to serve Château de Camensac
Allow 65 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 60 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 14-16°C. Cellar temperature (14-16°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a Burgundy bowl with a wide opening. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic, Beef daube with root vegetables, Mushroom and truffle risotto. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Château Camensac was classified in 1855 but fell into decline. The Forner family of La Rioja bought it in 1964 and revived it with the advice of Emile Peynaud. In 2005, the Merlaut-Villars family took over and launched a substantial replanting and winery modernisation programme, pushing quality steadily upward.
- 1855 — Classified as Cinquième Cru Classé in the Bordeaux 1855 Classification
- 1964 — Forner family acquires and revives the estate with Emile Peynaud's advice
- 2005 — Merlaut-Villars family purchase and begin extensive replanting and modernisation
Facts
- Producer
- Château de Camensac
- Grapes
- Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (40%)
- Classification
- Haut-Médoc AOC, Cinquième Cru Classé (1855)
- Oak
- 35-70% new French oak barrels, 17-20 months
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Production
- 240,000 bottles
- Price
- €30-55 at retail
- Drinking window
- 6-18 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1964
Scores
- Wine Advocate 91 (2020 vintage, reviewed 2023)
- Wine Advocate 90 (2019 vintage, reviewed 2022)
Frequently asked about Château de Camensac
What does Château de Camensac taste like?
On the nose, cassis, blackberry, truffle, cedar spice, menthol. On the palate, rich cherry, polished tannins, fresh structure, dark fruit concentration. Structurally medium-bodied, medium tannins, medium acidity with a medium finish. A revived Fifth Growth finding its stride under the Merlaut family: Cabernet-forward Haut-Médoc structure with dark fruit, cedar and characteristic menthol freshness from deep gravel soils near Saint-Julien.
When should I drink Château de Camensac?
Drink 6-18 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Château de Camensac?
Rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Beef daube with root vegetables and Mushroom and truffle risotto. The wine's cedar and dark fruit structure complement the herb-forward minerality of roasted rack of lamb.
What grapes are in Château de Camensac?
The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (40%). The wine is classified as Haut-Médoc AOC, Cinquième Cru Classé (1855).