Château de Camensac

The château dates to the 18th century, and the vineyard itself appears on 17th-century French cartographic records, establishing one of the longer documented histories among Médoc classified growths. The Forner family acquired the estate in 1965 and undertook a significant renovation, replanting the vineyards and restoring the property's physical infrastructure. In 2005, the Merlaut family, one of Bordeaux's most prominent négociant and estate-owning dynasties, purchased Camensac with an explicit goal of reviving its classification-level prestige.

• Vineyard documented on 17th-century French maps
• 18th-century château building still standing on the property
• Forner family ownership from 1965 to 2005 brought full replanting and renovation
• Merlaut family purchase in 2005 initiated a quality-focused restoration program

Camensac sits in Saint-Laurent-Médoc at a maximum elevation of 23 meters, with gentle slopes that aid natural drainage. The soils are defined by two distinct layers of ancient gravel: 60% Günzian gravels from the Quaternary period and 40% Villafranchian gravels from the older Tertiary period, both resting over a clay and hardpan subsoil. This deep, well-drained gravel profile is the defining terroir characteristic of the estate, promoting vine stress that concentrates fruit and adding the mineral backbone evident in the wines. The oceanic climate, with mild winters and hot summers, supports full, consistent ripening of the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend.

• Maximum elevation: 23 meters with gentle slopes
• Two gravel types: Günzian (Quaternary, 60%) and Villafranchian (Tertiary, 40%)
• Clay and hardpan subsoil beneath the gravel layers
• Oceanic climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers

The estate covers 150 hectares in total, with 75 to 86 hectares planted to vine. The varietal composition is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, a classic Médoc structure that leans on Cabernet for backbone and age-worthiness while Merlot contributes texture and mid-palate density. An organic conversion program began in 2016, reflecting the Merlaut family's commitment to long-term vineyard health. By 2021, the estate achieved HEV Level 3 certification (Haute Valeur Environnementale), France's highest official environmental recognition for agricultural operations.

• 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot throughout the vineyard
• Organic conversion initiated in 2016 under Merlaut family management
• HEV Level 3 certification achieved in 2021
• Second wine: La Closerie de Camensac

Château de Camensac produces full-bodied, structured red Bordeaux blends built for medium to long-term cellaring. The dominant Cabernet Sauvignon frame delivers firm tannins, blackcurrant and black cherry fruit, and a mineral thread that reflects the ancient gravel soils. Floral accents and minerality add complexity, particularly in warmer vintages where the Günzian and Villafranchian gravels retain heat effectively. The second wine, La Closerie de Camensac, provides earlier-drinking access to the estate's house style at a more approachable price point.