2017 Cambon la Pelouse (Haut Medoc)
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Tasting notes
The 2017 Cambon La Pelouse is a pretty, savory Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois to drink now and over the next few years. Grilled herbs, mint, tobacco, cedar and dried cherry give the 2017 lovely aromatic presence. On the palate, the 2017 is a bit slender, and yet all the elements are very nicely balanced. I would prefer to drink it over the next few years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Cambon la Pelouse is deep garnet-purple colored with aromas of baked plum, stewed tea and blackcurrant pastilles with notes of bay leaves and pencil shavings. The palate is medium-bodied, firm and chewy with a decent core and lively finish.
The 2017 Cambon la Palouse is a wine that was perplexingly green out of barrel, yet here in barrel I am pleased to find improvement. It offers attractive blackberry, sous-bois and light chimney soot aromas on the nose, very classic Bordeaux in style and demonstrating much better delineation than expected. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity, quite fresh in the mouth with a minty finish that does not outstay its welcome. This should drink well over the next decade and I am happy to upgrade over my mean barrel score. Tasted on two occasions.
54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot. Deep crimson, the Cabernet and the Petit Verdot giving a darker colour here. Intense cassis and cassis-leaf aroma is inviting and matched on the palate. Tannins are relatively firm and chewy in this context but rounded and balanced by the fruit. Not severe but sinewy rather than generous. Definitely calls for food and a bit longer in bottle. (JH)