(NM90-92 points) Interesting comparing the Roc des Cambes with the Tertre-Roteboeuf, for here there is a little more drive and intensity on the nose, more volume emanating from the glass with pomegranate and cranberry scents intermingling with fresh gravel notes. The palate is soft and sensual on the entry with layers of fleshy red berry fruit. The tannins have a Burgundy-like finesse and there is a lovely touch of Schezhuan pepper numbing the tip of the tongue on the finish. This will be a fascinating Roc des Cambes.

The 2012 Roc de Cambes has a much fresher bouquet than the 2010 Montlandrie tasted alongside with fragrant red cherries, wild strawberry, liquorice and camphor aromas. This is fully mature but has plenty of vigour. The palate is medium-bodied, nicely balanced and quite savoury in style with fleshy tannins and gentle grip. More harmonious than its peers, this sashays along with style. Tasted blind at the Southwold Ten-Year On tasting. -- Neal Martin