The 2012 Château de Camensac wine boasts a vibrant ruby colour with a garnet rim. It exudes lively red currant, cherry, plum, and cassis fruit flavours, complemented by hints of warm and sweet spices, such as eucalyptus and vanilla. The wine also presents floral tones, toast, milk chocolate, and brown sugar. This well-balanced Haut-Médoc Cru Classé showcases a fresh, mid-palate, and fine food wine, showing soft tannins and distinct cedar tones embodying the regional character. Soft, uncomplicated and enjoyable, this wine is an excellent contrast in style to similar Cru CLasses from Haut Medoc such as La Tour Carnet and Cantemerle.
Enowned oenologists Michel Rolland and Eric Boissenot, who made the wine, deliver exceptional value and quality. Perfectly paired with red meat, it leaves a lasting impression with its persistent finish. This medium-bodied wine is a true standout with a 13.5% ABV and a DD92 score.
Château Camensac's 65 hectares of vineyards in the commune of Saint-Laurent-Médoc are meticulously cultivated and yield 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. The 35-year-old vines are densely planted at 10,000 vines per hectare, and the estate strictly maintains yields at 45 hectoliters per hectare, ensuring top-notch quality. Hand-picked and sorted grapes further attest to the estate's commitment to excellence.
We share JS's view on the bottle. The significance of this 23015 seems to lie in integrating Margaux's attachment in the modern style: software, articulate, and friendly. The aromas of dark cherries, plums, and blackberries present immediate depth, accompanied by subtly spicy and cedary oak with stony, minerally accents. The palate displays immense depth and presence without relying on brute force; it emphasizes charm and fluidity. This is a superb wine that should be tried from 2023 onward.
IT frame undeliverable the ability to combine elegance and power. Fully dimensional, This 2015 Chateau Lascombes, a prominent modern Margaux Cru known for its balanced and delicate wines, has a beautiful deep ruby colour with a narrow light pink rim. The nose features violet notes of ripe red fruits and vanilla oak, with a still-raw quality. The highly extracted palate reveals spice and sweet vanilla.
Updated: Dec 17, 2024
The Setting. Located just a kilometre from the beautiful village of Saint Emilion, Château Larmande is one of the oldest estates in the appellation, dating back to 1585. The estate creates its wines using age-old methods and state-of-the-art technology. It selects the best grapes from each parcel and vinifies them separately in small vats, allowing for full expression of the terroir.
The Terroir. The grapes are grown on the north slope of Saint Emilion, where red cherry/plum fruit is well associated with most vintages. The vines primarily grow in clay, with some limestone and sand, which adds complexity and a mineral finish. The wine's composition typically comprises 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon; it undergoes approximately 18 months of ageing in a combination of new(66%) and used(33%)oak, and this typically results in a wine with a dry, plummy, and nutty finish. Since 2018, 10% of the harvest has been aged in amphoras to enhance the fruit character while maintaining freshness.
The Vintage. The 2013 vintage of Château Larmande is a testament to the estate's commitment to quality and innovation. This vintage is characterized by its red fruit-driven profile, showcasing primarily red fruits, prunes, plum and blackcurrants, making it a pleasant experience for the palate. This bottle is approachable, with polished tannins and fresh acidity balanced by spice and toasty tobacco hints. The palate mirrors the nose, featuring added dimensions of menthol and rich black fruits, leading to a dry and nutty finish. This unique taste profile sets the 2013 vintage apart and makes it a must-try for any wine enthusiast.
Why Chateau Lamande 2013? I was first introduced to this wine by the maker, Claire Thomas-Chenard, who communicates exceptionally well. Following her activities in the first Vinexpo in Hong Kong, she hosted a tasting with leading bankers and connaisseurs in Central for me. She drew my attention to the rare red fruit notes, which become exceptionally well-balanced, delicate, and elegant upon aeration.
The 2013 vintage of Château Larmande has received moderate praise, partly due to the lacklustre vintage. However, if you're looking for honest fruitiness and approachability, what can you expect at this price level for a Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classé?
The wine achieved a notable score of WE93 in barrel tasting. The review describes it as "both tannic and fruity, a balanced wine that could go far." It has weight, dark, dry tannins, and juicy blackcurrant fruitiness. This accolade is a testament to the quality and potential of this wine, reassuring you of its excellence and inviting you to experience it for yourself.
