Cambes, Domaine de
Summary
Domaine de Cambes is a boutique estate in Bordeaux's Côtes de Bourg appellation owned by the Mitjavile family, producing a single red Bordeaux blend primarily from Merlot and Cabernet Franc grown on clay-limestone slopes descending toward the Gironde estuary. François Mitjavile applies the same exacting standards here as at his more famous properties, harvesting later for optimal ripeness and creating wines that consistently outperform their modest appellation status while offering exceptional value compared to more prestigious Bordeaux names.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine de Cambes is a wine estate situated in the Côtes de Bourg appellation on Bordeaux's right bank. The property has been in operation since at least the late 20th century and is owned by François Mitjavile, who acquired it around the late 1980s. Mitjavile is also the proprietor of two other notable estates: Château Roc de Cambes in the Côtes de Bourg, and Château Tertre Roteboeuf in Saint-Émilion.
While Domaine de Cambes maintains a connection to Château Roc de Cambes, it stands as its own distinct vineyard rather than functioning as a second wine. The Mitjavile family continues to manage the estate, with François' son Louis likely involved in the operations, maintaining the family's winemaking traditions and approach.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine de Cambes occupies a distinctive terroir along the Gironde estuary within the Côtes de Bourg appellation, the same appellation as its sister property Château Roc de Cambes. Unlike its sister property Château Roc de Cambes, which sits atop a limestone plateau, Domaine de Cambes' vineyards are positioned on the slopes that descend toward the Gironde. This proximity to the estuary provides a moderating influence on the climate, creating favorable growing conditions for the vines.
The vineyard, likely under 10 hectares in size, features clay-limestone soils typical of Bordeaux's right bank. The estate is primarily planted with Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Franc and possibly small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon—a classic right bank varietal composition. From these vineyards, Domaine de Cambes produces a red Bordeaux blend that typically displays characteristics of ripe fruit and richness, often with greater accessibility in its youth than wines from Château Roc de Cambes.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking at Domaine de Cambes reflects François Mitjavile's established philosophy, which includes harvesting grapes later than many of his neighbors to achieve optimal ripeness. The production follows traditional Bordeaux techniques, likely including temperature-controlled fermentation in vats.
The aging process typically takes place in French oak barrels, with a significant percentage of new oak contributing to the wine's structure and complexity. Production volumes remain relatively small, consistent with the boutique nature of Mitjavile's approach to winemaking.
As part of the Côtes de Bourg appellation, Domaine de Cambes operates outside the official Bordeaux classification system that governs regions like Saint-Émilion and the Médoc. This positioning in a less prominent appellation allows the estate to offer distinctive wines that reflect both their specific terroir and the Mitjavile winemaking style.