2007 Cambon la Pelouse (Haut Medoc)

60% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc from one of the oldest vineyards in the region. The vines are 30 years old and planted at a density of 5,000-7,000 vines/ha. Grapes were harvested from late Sept to mid-Oct with a yield of 47 hl/ha and a combination of hand- and machine-picking. Strict manual sorting at the winery and then pre-ferment maceration. Fermentation took place in stainless-steel vats and lasted three to four weeks in total. Aged on fine lees for 12-15 months in French oak barrels (40% new). Suitable for vegetarians. TA 4.9 g/l, RS 0.1 g/l. Attractively healthy, maturing crimson. Some strongly underripe notes on the nose, then sweetness on the palate. Fresh and appetising but not wholly ripe and satisfying. Pretty austere finish. (JR)

Good full ruby. Inky aromas of crushed black fruits, violet and mint. Lush, broad and creamy, in a softer, modern style. A fairly lush, large-scaled wine, finishing with dusty, building tannins. This is actually rather atypical for a wine from this chateau, as it includes a relatively high 60% cabernet sauvignon content (the merlot here was reportedly less successful), and yet the overall impression is one of soft fruit.

Perfumed yet still cedary black fruit. Quite leafy. Dry, powdery tannins but not hard like some. Fresh, minerally, lightish. (JH)