Camensac, Chateau
Summary
Château Camensac is a Fifth Growth Bordeaux estate spanning 75 hectares in Haut-Médoc's Saint-Laurent-Médoc, producing Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant wines from gravel-rich soils with clay-limestone sections at high-density plantings of 10,000 vines per hectare. The estate maintains traditional Bordeaux methods with parcel-by-parcel harvesting, temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel, and 18-month aging in French oak barrels while embracing precise modern techniques under the Taillan Group's professional management.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Camensac stands as a Fifth Growth (Cinquième Cru) estate from the historic 1855 Bordeaux Classification. Located in the Haut-Médoc appellation, the estate traces its origins to the 18th century. The property experienced a significant turning point in 1964 when it was acquired by the Forner family, who initiated substantial renovations to both the vineyards and winemaking facilities. After four decades of ownership, the Forner family sold Château Camensac to the Merlaut family's Taillan Group in 2005, adding it to their portfolio of Bordeaux estates which includes Château Gruaud Larose and Château Ferrière.
Under the Taillan Group's stewardship, Château Camensac has maintained its commitment to quality while implementing modernization efforts. The property is currently managed by a team that oversees both vineyard management and winemaking operations, with technical decisions guided by consulting oenologists who help maintain the estate's distinctive Haut-Médoc character.
Vineyards & Wines
Château Camensac's vineyards span 75 hectares in the commune of Saint-Laurent-Médoc within the Haut-Médoc appellation. The vineyard composition reflects the classic Bordeaux left bank tradition, with approximately 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot planted across the estate. This balance allows the property to produce wines that combine the structural elements of Cabernet Sauvignon with the roundness and accessibility of Merlot.
The vineyards benefit from their position on gravel-rich soils typical of the Médoc's best sites, with some parcels featuring clay-limestone subsoils that provide excellent drainage and mineral complexity. The estate's vineyards are planted at a density of 10,000 vines per hectare, following traditional Bordeaux practices that encourage quality over quantity. The property's terroir produces wines characterized by their balance of fruit concentration and structural elements, with the capacity for medium to long-term aging.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach at Château Camensac combines respect for traditional Bordeaux methods with modern precision. Harvest is conducted parcel by parcel, with each vineyard block picked at optimal ripeness and vinified separately to preserve its unique characteristics. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing for precise extraction management during the critical early stages of winemaking.
After fermentation, the wines of Château Camensac undergo aging in French oak barrels, with approximately 40% new oak used each vintage. This aging period typically extends for 18 months, during which the wine develops complexity while integrating the oak influence. The final blend is determined through careful tasting sessions that evaluate each lot's contribution to the overall profile.
The estate produces approximately 240,000 bottles annually, divided between its grand vin, Château Camensac, and its second wine, La Closerie de Camensac. This second wine, introduced to maintain quality standards for the primary label, allows the estate to be selective while utilizing the full production from their vineyards. Throughout all aspects of production, the focus remains on expressing the distinctive character of their Haut-Médoc terroir while maintaining consistency from vintage to vintage.