Viniou Reviews
Château Camille Gaucheraud 2020 is a red Bordeaux from the Blaye-Côtes-de-Bordeaux AOC, a region on the right bank of the Gironde estuary. This vintage, like many from 2020, benefited from favourable growing conditions, with balanced ripening contributing to expressive, fruit-forward wines. Typical blends in this appellation rely primarily on Merlot, often complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc. Expect a wine with an appealing deep ruby hue, offering aromas of ripe red and black fruits such as cherry, plum, and blackcurrant, often nuanced by subtle spice, cedar and gentle hints of graphite. The palate is usually supple, marked by finely grained tannins and a lively freshness, with a harmonious, approachable structure that makes the wine enjoyable both young and after a few years of cellaring.
The Blaye and Bourg subregions have a winemaking history that stretches back to Roman times. The area’s rolling hills and predominance of clay-limestone soils are particularly well-suited to Merlot, producing wines with depth and softness. The climate, tempered by river influences, offers mild winters and warm, dry summers, limiting disease pressure and facilitating good grape maturation. While Blaye-Côtes-de-Bordeaux may not have the same renown as neighbouring Médoc or Saint-Émilion, it is admired for its combination of quality, value and distinctive identity, shaped by diverse terroirs.
For food and wine pairings, this red Bordeaux style matches beautifully with grilled or roasted meats such as lamb, beef, or duck breast. The wine’s freshness and subtle tannins also complement rich, earthy dishes: think wild mushroom risotto, aubergine gratin, or a classic Bordelaise entrecôte with shallots. Regionally, it naturally accompanies canard aux pruneaux or agneau à la bordelaise. For a cheese plate, opt for semi-hard varieties such as Cantal or Tomme de Savoie.
Serve at 16-18°C to allow the bouquet to unfold and the palate to express its full complexity. Decanting for about 30 minutes before serving is recommended, particularly for a youthful vintage, to round out the tannins and enhance aromatic refinement.
