Visiting Le Tertre Rôteboeuf is like being transported to an ancient, mould-lined cellar in the Côte de Nuits.  The estate has been in the family since the '60s but it was Francois who made its name, learning his trade at Figeac in the early '70s.  His first vintage was in 1978 and by the '89 vintage the reputation of this 6 hectare estate was established alongside the best in St-Émilion. 

Farmed organically, Le Tertre Rôteboeuf is geographically close to Troplong Mondot and Pavie, but a world away in style. The etymology of the name derives from the days when the land was used for cattle grazing, and broadly translates as 'the hill of the belching beef'.  

The cool soils here slow the ripening process and this is routinely one of the last estates to finish harvest.  Training the Merlot and Cabernet Franc vines close to the ground (see picture above) maximises the warmth radiated from the soil at the end of the ripening season.  This contributes to the silky, glycerin texture on the palate and aromatic complexity, particularly from the Cabernet Franc.

Roc de Cambes was acquired in 1988, in part because the terroir (clay and limestone) was so similar to Le Tertre Roteboeuf.  The wines exhibit the same Mitjavile magic, with a unique texture and aromatic complexity.  The 14 hectares of vines form a natural amphitheater overlooking the Gironde, on the slopes which form the best terroir in the Côtes de Bourg, 'les Croutes'.  Domaine de Cambes is also made at the estate, but with the addition of some fruit from outside of the domaine.  Always excellent value, it really gives Roc de Cambes a run for its money this year.