Roc de Cambes – Vertical Tasting Notes

Vintages 2016 | 2017 | 2018

This three-vintage Roc de Cambes case shows exactly why Mitjavile has a cult following.
2016 brings structure, 2017 brings elegance, and 2018 brings sheer richness — three different seasons interpreted with the same unmistakable dark-silk texture and depth.
It’s a concise masterclass in how one winemaker turns every vintage into something unmistakably his.

Roc de Cambes 2016 – Tasting Note

The classical one — depth, structure, and long life

2016 is a vintage where Roc de Cambes shows real backbone. The wine opens with intense blackcurrant, dark cherry, blackberry, graphite, and a cool mineral edge. There’s sweet tobacco, cocoa, and Mitjavile’s subtle roasted note, but everything is wrapped in a firm, beautifully defined frame.

On the palate, it’s silky yet structured — cassis, plum, black cherry, violets, cedar, and crushed stone. The tannins are ripe but commanding, giving the wine verticality and long-term potential. The finish is long, savoury, and precise.

This is the most ageworthy wine in the trio.
Cool, composed, serious.

Roc de Cambes 2017 – Tasting Note

The unexpected charmer — lifted, elegant, more aromatic

2017 is the vintage people underestimate until they actually drink it. The nose is lifted, bright, and expressive: red cherry, raspberry, plum skin, dried rose, cedar and a touch of sweet spice. It’s less brooding than 2016 or 2018, and more about purity and fine detail.

The palate is medium-bodied, supple, and beautifully balanced. Red fruit, pomegranate, raspberry, and subtle cocoa glide over fine, feathered tannins. Fresh acidity gives the wine movement and grace.

This is the most elegant and aromatic of the trio.
A wine of charm and finesse rather than power.

Roc de Cambes 2018 – Tasting Note

The hedonist — richness, plush fruit, and irresistible texture

2018 is Roc de Cambes at its most generous. The nose bursts with ripe black plum, blackberry compote, damson, sweet tobacco, dark chocolate, and Mitjavile’s warm roasted signature.

The palate is plush and seductive — waves of black fruit, cassis, plum, cocoa and spice carried by velvety tannins. It’s generous but never heavy, lifted by just enough acidity to keep the wine dancing.

This is the most opulent and instantly gratifying of the trio.
Pure pleasure, pure Mitjavile.

How They Differ (and why this matters)

2016 — Structure & Depth

Cool-toned fruit

Vertical tannin structure

Serious, ageworthy

Classical Roc de Cambes with a long future

2017 — Elegance & Purity

Red fruit–driven

Aromatic, lifted, detailed

Silky tannins, graceful body

The “Burgundian” one in the set

2018 — Richness & Hedonism

Ripe black-fruit core

Plush texture, warm spice

Generous, seductive, immediate pleasure

The boldest and most expressive of the three