1998 Roc de Cambes
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
A classically impressive vintage on the Right Bank this is more muscular than the 1997, even though just one year apart, and feels clearly marked by the Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. Liqourice, cassis, mint, almost Medocain in character, savoury and less generous than many vintages of this wine. The fresh character that characterises all these wines is still clear, feel like this could be even better in 5 years, or at least with a very long carafe. 100% new oak.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 1998 Roc de Cambes is drinking brilliantly today, exhibiting a rich bouquet of blackberries, espresso roast, cigar box, truffle and vanilla pod. Medium to full-bodied, broad and fleshy, it's chunkier and more muscular than the more sensual, seamless 1998 Tertre Roteboeuf, but what it lacks in elegance it makes up for in character. Given its youthful profile, and how well older vintages such as the 1989 are developing, it isn't fanciful to imagine another two decades' longevity.
Dry end to the summer. Straight and spicy. 'More strict than the more generous 99', says Mitjavile. Deep bricky crimson. Much more spicy on the nose with a little bit of fresh leafiness. Tobacco. Lovely fruit-cake sweetness. Deep, sweet chocolate texture, still some chew but also caressing. Shorter finish than the 1997 and with velvety firmness. (JH)
Healthy ruby with some development at the rim. Very intriguing layered nose. A hint of brûlée. Roc de Cambes? Freshness, like all of this flight of ‘Others’, but a bit richer than most, although the finish has a touch of rusty nails and I can’t see it improving enormously. (JR)