This Cotes de Bourg estate ranks among the very finest of its appellation. Roc de Cambes was bought over in 1988 by the owner of St. Emilion’s Chateau Le Tetre-Rotebouef, Francois Mitjaville. It boasts a superb location close to the Gironde, where the south-facing slopes of a natural amphitheatre nurture 10 hectares under vine. The vines average an age of over 35 years, and the grapes (65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc) are allowed to reach maximum ripeness before being hand-picked. Fermentation takes place in cement vats, then the wine is aged in a mixture of new and old oak barriques for up to 18 months. Roc de Cambes’ wines are big, full-bodied affairs, but they retain great balance and a lovely rich finish.