1996 Roc de Cambes
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
All new oak – they did not have money for new oak before this. Deep browning garnet. Smells fresher and a little more leafy than the 1995, mulch, less-ripe fruit and a little less multi-perfumed, so fresh but with lovely mushroom intensity. Lighter than the 1995, more refined in texture but not better than 1998. Mouth-watering finish. Real seductive beauty. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The undisputed leader from the Cotes de Bourg appellation, Roc de Cambes continues to turn out delicious, chocolate-scented and flavored wines. I had a magnum of 1989 at my favorite Hong Kong-styled Chinese restaurant in Washington, DC in mid-February, and it continues to sing. The dark ruby-colored 1996 Roc de Cambes offers up a sweet, mocha, chocolatey nose with ripe berry fruit in the background. Although not complex, it is soft, velvety-textured, medium to full-bodied, and a delicious, hedonistically-styled wine that should continue to drink well for 5-6 years.