Chateau Camensac

Wine writers around the world have put praises on the recent vintages of this Haut-Medoc estate. Owned by the Forner family since 1964, it would take more than a few words to shake Elisee Forner, the power behind the estate, from his dignified reserve. Similar to other old school winemakers, he distrusts any shortcuts offered by modern technology. He believes that it is the details, those that may seem insignificant on the surface, or to those less-experienced, which sum up and make all the differences.

When Forner acquired the estate close to fifty years ago, it was in a poor shape. The vines were neglected and not producing wines worth the classification. He thus decided to start from scratch, taking advice from the great oenologist Dr. Peynaud, to replant the whole estate with just two varieties – 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. The boldness paid off handsomely with the blend giving the wine its renaissance.

The vineyard now covers around 70 ha, from the original 10 ha, mostly around the chateau and the boundary with Belgrave and La Tour-Carnet. The facility is equipped with the latest technology. Even the estate is renovated. Elisee Forner certainly has taken the time to listen to the soil, the climate, and the vines, a good example of how constant devotion and sustained efforts will bear fruit.

There is a second wine, under the La Closerie de Camensac label.

I have just tasted the 2005 vintage:

Vintage: 2005

Grape: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot

ABV: 13%                    

Price: HK$520

Tasting Date: 1 December 2011

Wineshark Score: 88

Deep ruby in colour, this Haut-Medoc GCC has a fairly intense and developing nose of blackcurrant, blackberry, chocolate, savory, sweet spice, liquorice and smoke. Fairly high in acidity, the wine has a fairly high level of tannin and fairly full in body. The palate is of reasonable intensity showing flavors of blackcurrant, black cherry, herbaceous, blackcurrant leaf, oak, sweet spice and coffee. Overall of good quality, the nose is good and fairly complex. Palate is comparatively less exciting and a bit too herbaceous, with a reasonable length. Ready to drink now but has potential of further ageing for another 3-5 years.