Château CAMENSAC 2009
In Saint-Laurent-Médoc, at the gates of the Saint-Julien appellation, Château de Camensac belongs to the historic properties of Haut-Médoc classified in 1855. Fifth Grand Cru Classé, the estate relies on a vineyard planted on gravelly hills mixed with more clayey areas, a configuration particularly favorable to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The château has undergone a significant renewal phase over the last decades, with increased work on parcel precision, ripeness, and the quality of vinifications. Cabernet Sauvignon brings structure, length, and Médoc character to the wine, while Merlot enriches the mid-palate with a softer and more generous texture. The 2009 vintage is one of the remarkable vintages of the early 21st century in Bordeaux, driven by a hot, dry season particularly favorable to grape ripeness. This natural richness produced deep, fleshy wines with ripe tannins, while maintaining sufficient freshness to support their evolution. Château Camensac 2009 is currently in a particularly interesting maturity phase, between still-present fruit and the progressive development of tertiary aromas.
The 2009 blend consists of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon and 43% Merlot. Cabernet Sauvignon builds a straight framework around blackcurrant, cedar, and graphite, while Merlot brings more generous nuances of plum and ripe black fruits. The balance between the two grape varieties fits particularly well with the sunny profile of the year, combining breadth and structure without sacrificing freshness. The different lots are vinified separately to adapt the extractions to the characteristics of each parcel before making the final blend. Aging in French oak barrels then accompanies the wine's maturation and promotes the gradual integration of tannins. After more than fifteen years in bottle, the oak has largely integrated and the initially generous texture has softened. The 2009 still retains enough structure and energy to continue its evolution for several more years under good cellar conditions.
The color shows a deep garnet beginning to evolve towards slightly brick-red ruby hues. The bouquet combines blackcurrant, blackberry, and black plum with notes of cedar, blond tobacco, and licorice. With aeration, fine leather, cocoa, sweet spices, and some undergrowth nuances gradually appear. The palate is ample and supple, with now polished tannins giving the wine a harmonious and velvety texture. The black fruit maintains a beautiful presence, supported by freshness that avoids any heaviness despite the generous ripeness of the vintage. The finish lingers on blackcurrant, tobacco, graphite, and spices in a classic Haut-Médoc style. Château Camensac 2009 will accompany a roasted rack of lamb, a beef fillet with porcini mushrooms, duck breast, pigeon, or dishes featuring wild mushrooms.
Grape varieties: 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot
