Domaine Roses Camille

Vineyard Facts

The vineyard itself is approximately one hectare in size and straddles the appellations of Pomerol and Lalande-de-Pomerol. It borders the famous estates of Clos l'Eglise, Chateau Rouget, La Violette, and La Croix de Gay. With a vineyard size of 1 Hectare, the vines predate the "Great Frost of 1956" (Coldest vintage since 1709, where much of Bordeaux was replanted). The composition of the vineyard is approximately 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. The average age of the vines is 60 years, with one parcel averaging over 100 years of age. The soil is mainly composed of blue clay, as well as yellow and black gravel interspersed with iron deposits. This vein of blue clay originates in Vieux Chateau Certain, flows into La Violette, and finally into Domaine Roses Camille.

History

The estate was originally held by the Rivière family. Their relative, Mr. Cazemajou, was imprisoned during the Second World War, where his brother in law’s family, the Rivières, offered to have Mrs. Cazemajou and her son move to Pomerol and assist with maintaining the estate, which was then called Domaine du Castel, in exchange for room and board. The Rivières had intended to leave the estate to the Cazemajou’s son, as they themselves were childless. This young man of 15 was indeed very involved in the property, and following the passing of Mr. and Mrs. Rivière, became the owner. He was none other than Robert Cazemajou, grandfather of the Domaine’s current winemaker, Christophe Bardeau. Christophe continues to develop his family’s legacy.

Winemaking

The overall philosophy of Domaine Roses Camille is one of minimal intervention in vineyard and winery. As winemaker Christophe Bardeau says, the vintage dictates style: the winemaker must not attempt to create the same wine every year. The wine should be approachable at release, by not being overly oaked or extracted, but still be structured for aging.

Christophe embraces a Biodynamic approach to farming, including horse drawn plowing, which preserves the microbial life in the soil by avoiding unnecessary compacting. There is frequent green harvesting of immature grape clusters to improve concentration at harvest. Excess foliage is removed and berries are manually separated, in an effort to prevent mold and thus eliminate need for chemicals. Harvest is done completely manually, with each cluster hand sorted on a table. Fermentation takes place in concrete vats without strict temperature regulation. Pump overs only take place during the first 24 hours after harvest, which regulates extraction. Finally, the wine is aged in new and one year old barrels of the highest quality (Darnajou - as used by Pétrus, Pingus, Schrader, and others).

Awards

Domaine Roses Camille has been recognized repeatedly for excellence. A few accolades include Top 100 Wines from 2005 Bordeaux from Decanter Magazine, and 50 Bordeaux to Buy from 2005 from Wine Spectator. The Domaine has also been featured in prominent wine publications including the French publication Anthocyanes.

The 2006 and 2011 Domaine Roses Camille have been designated as Top Wines by author and critic Yossie Horwitz of Yossie’s Corkboard. The series of wine produced by Christophe Bardeau, including the Echo Roses Camille, Moulin du Chateau La Clide, and Marquisat de Binet, have been featured in numerous articles by Joshua London and Gamliel Kronemer of the Jewish Week.

The following are some actual tasting notes for various vintages of Domaine Roses Camille:

"Distinct compact texture, a lot of hidden depth. Brooding"

"Full-bodied, with soft, gently caressing tannins and a hint of spicy oak. On the nose and palate blackcurrants, raspberries and tobacco, those supported nicely by notes of mocha. Generous and long, with an enchanting note of black licorice on the finish."

"The color is inky, deep, powerful. Aromas of violet enhance the bouquet. From the outset we are struck by the complexity and quality of aromatic flavors at once crisp and deep. A superb balance in the mouth reminiscent of velvet and lace. The palate is amazing, surpassing everything. Nothing seems out of place, especially the delicate and lacy tannins."