Maucamps Haut-Médoc 2006

We love classic claret at Rotter Towers. There will always be a place in our cellar for mature, restrained Bordeaux from a time before the trend for ballsy and high-alcohol styles took over.

Founded in the 18th century and later acquired by the Tessandier family, Château Maucamps lies at the southern end of the Médoc – just south of the Margaux appellation and neighbouring Château Cantemerle on the banks of the Garonne.

Since taking over in the 1950s, the Tessandiers have introduced sustainable farming and state-of-the-art winemaking facilities to the estate. Fruit from 35-year-old Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot vines is hand-harvested before fermentation and ageing for 16 months in barrels (with new oak kept to a minimum). The result is high-quality, old-fashioned Haut-Médoc worthy of its Cru Bourgeois classification.

A good year that has been overshadowed by the fanfare (and high prices) of the vintage that preceded it, conditions in 2006 favoured vineyards in the Haut-Médoc and Margaux, with many of the best estates producing wines on a par with the minor classed growths elsewhere. 

With its combination of brambly black fruit, tobacco leaf aromatics, and subtle oak spice, Maucamps is textbook Left Bank claret. With game season upon us and calling for mature bottles of red, what better to drink in terms of value?

Cassis, tobacco, and sous bois underscored by sweet, supple tannins. Drink to 2028+.