Côte-Rôtie — Domaine Graeme & Julie Bott 2022
A structured, elegant expression of Northern Rhône Syrah from one of the appellation's most exciting domaines. Lifted violet, dark fruit, and a signature peppery backbone make this a bottle worthy of any special occasion.
Domaine G&J Bott
Attracted by the ideal locations of the 12 hectares of vineyards, which are situated close to the Gironde on a south-facing slope in a natural amphitheatre, François planted the 12 hectare estate. The average vine age is over 35 years and François Mitjavile overhauled the vineyard by replanting diseased vines and introducing grass covering which helps regulate the water supply.
The grapes (65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc) are harvested as late as possible, and are then vinified in temperature controlled cement vats. The wine is then matured in oak barrels (50% new) for 15- 18 months. Roc de Cambes produces rich, stylish, full-bodied wines that considering their size are remarkably harmonious and well balanced.
The Style
They now own seven hectares of vines spread across the Côte Rôtie, Condieu, St Joseph and little-known Seyssuel. Graeme and Julie are boutique producers through and through: they started by making their wines using a neighbour's garage but have now taken up residence in their own cellar, tucked just beneath La Mouline in Côte-Rôtie. Their winemaking talents are clear. Their silky Vin de Pays Syrah, First Flight, is a brilliant introduction to their superb range and as a result it has quickly become one of Lay & Wheeler’s best-sellers. Each of their wines are nuanced and complex examples of their appellation and are well-worth stocking up on.
Roc de Cambes — François Mitjavile 2017
An iconic cuvée from the Right Bank of Bordeaux, crafted by the legendary François Mitjavile. Rich, soulful, and unmistakably Bordeaux, Roc de Cambes is one of those bottles that commands the table and lingers in the memory.
Roc de Cambes
Sitting in the lesser-known Côtes de Bourg, across the water from the more prestigious First Growth châteaux, Roc de Cambes is one of Bordeaux’s hidden stars. Grapes have been grown here, where the Dordogne hits the Gironde, since Roman times and were once highly prized before the marshlands of the Médoc were drained.
Roc de Cambes can be dated back to the 14th century, but remained more or less obscured until it was purchased in 1988 by François Mitjavile, renowned for his Tertre Roteboeuf Grand Cru in St-Emilion. It is now one of the top estates in the appellation and easily commands the highest prices.
The Style
Attracted by the ideal locations of the 12 hectares of vineyards, which are situated close to the Gironde on a south-facing slope in a natural amphitheatre, François planted the 12 hectare estate. The average vine age is over 35 years and François Mitjavile overhauled the vineyard by replanting diseased vines and introducing grass covering which helps regulate the water supply.
The grapes (65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc) are harvested as late as possible, and are then vinified in temperature controlled cement vats. The wine is then matured in oak barrels (50% new) for 15- 18 months. Roc de Cambes produces rich, stylish, full-bodied wines that considering their size are remarkably harmonious and well balanced.