Chateau Cambon la Pelouse, 2006, Haut-Medoc.

Now I know it's not #winewednesday, but I felt like a small reward was required having done a bit of long-awaited DIY. I decided to sample a wine that has been sat in the rack for a few months. I picked up a bottle of the 2006 Cambon la Pelouse in Morrisons, on a bit of a sale. I think it was about £12, down from about £16. This is a pretty good price for a 'Cru Bourgeois Superieur'. This is actually a somewhat defunct classification now, as the Cru Bourgeois system has had several revamps over the last 10 years. As of 2010, the 'superieur' and 'exceptionnel' titles have been lost, although a single-tier Cru Bourgeois still remains.

I bought this wine for two reasons. Firstly, it was a good value, mature claret that should be well in it's drinking window, so should be delicious. Secondly, I know that Sainsbury's are currently selling the same wine from the 2009 vintage. I was hoping to try a mature version of this wine, since the 2009 (although an early maturing vintage) would probably be a little young. Sainsbury's have the 2009 at just under £20, which is starting to become less bargainous, unless the wine is exceedingly good. If I liked the 2006 enough, it might be worth buying one or two of the 2009 for the cellar.

So, how is She? (That's right, i've anthropomorphised my wine!)

In the glass, the 2006 Cambon la Pelouse is an intense, deep, maroon red. Only a mild hint of purple, with a lighter, slightly brown edge. Good signs of a wine with a bit of bottle age. Up to the light, the wine is very clear, and shows a little more browny shades. On the nose, overwhelmingly classic. I'm not sure what the blend is with this wine, but i'd say it's a cracking example of a left-bank claret. Up front is a bunch of oaky, smokey aromas, some cedar wood and pencil lead. This is combined with ripe and juicy cassis. The blackcurrent is typical, but there is a little dark cherry too. In the layer underneath, i got something floral, maybe violets, a little bit of truffle and something really savoury, a little like chilli! Not spicy, this was like green peppers, but much less sweet. I tried hard, but i couldn't find any liquorice, which actually appeals to me.

On the palate, this is an exampe of a well-made, balanced wine. It doesn't sing as loudly as some wines i've experienced, but the sweet, dark fruits, especially blackcurrents are there, and the mouthfeel is smooth. In the finish, there are some tannins. Although fairly smooth and soft, they are a touch grainy and impart a chewy-ness. This isn't unpleasent really, and the finish lingers for a long time. It's a lovely, smooth finish with little, if any, pepper/spice.

This is a lovely wine, quite ready for drinking, although it still displays fruit, acidity and tannins that mean it should have a fair amount of life left. If the fruit hangs on, then there is a good amount of acidity and tannin to keep it's complexity.

I'm pleased with this wine and like it very much. It isn't a blockbuster, but is delightful, and it suited my 'I fancy a treat' whim. At £12 this was a great value Bordeaux. Considering the 2009 is a little more expensive, i'm not so sure it would be worth the investment without a sample first. However, i'm pleased enough with the 2006, that if Sainsbury's decide to put the 2009 on sale, it may very well be worth a blind punt! Let's wait and see...