| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > St Estèphe |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This Saint Estèphe property was formerly known as Capbern Gasqueton and has the same owners and wine-making team as Calon Ségur. The vineyard is 38 hectares and planted 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. It is situated, in one block, between Phélan Segur and Meyney. Quality has jumped massively in recent vintages and this is clearly a source of one of Bordeaux's best bargains.
In 2024 it is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. The yield was 45 hl/ha and it achieved 12.9% alcohol. It is being matured in 60% new oak.
A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, the 2024 Capbern is a polished classic, offering up notions of cassis, lilac, licorice and pencil shavings, followed by a medium-bodied, supple and polished palate with good underlying cut and grip. It checks in at 12.9% alcohol.
The 2024 Capbern aged in 60% new French oak for 18 months and contains a little more Cabernet than usual. It has a fresh bouquet with blackberry, cranberry, incense and pencil shaving aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with strict tannins. This is armed with satisfying freshness, brightness and hints of allspice and cumin in the background. This is cohesive on the modest, sapid finish. Although this is not the best Capbern that I have encountered in recent years, it is certainly a decent wine for the vintage. Drink: 2028-2039
Deep ruby in colour. There is a fair hit of wood smoke and incense to this nose, combining with sweet red fruits and fresh cherry. The palate is chalky, but the tannins do not overwhelm that same boisterous fruit from the nose that sits at the core of this wine. Bright and full of energy without the dilution of most wines at this price point, this is a good effort and will be one of the better value picks this year.
Deep garnet-purple colored. Shoots from the glass with vibrant notes of fresh red and black currants and wild sage, giving way to hints of graphite, fertile loam, and charcoal. The light-bodied palate is crisp and lightly chewy with bright red berry flavors and an herbal lift on the finish.
70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot. 3.6 pH. Aging for 18 months in French oak barrels, 60% new.
Enticing aromatics on this wine, soft waves of rose petals, blackberry fruit, crayon and pencil lead, with measured oak use. Acidity puts the tannins into a little overly-focused position on the finish, and the austerity that needs to be softened over ageing. Fairly old school, with charm. 3.60 pH. 45 hl/ha. 60% new oak.
The 2024 Capbern is a very pretty, delicate Saint-Estèphe. Cabernet Sauvignon takes the leading role in this elegant, nuanced wine. Crushed flowers, spice, new leather, cedar, licorice and incense are all delineated in the glass. Vibrant floral notes reappear on the long, persistent finish. 2026 - 2036
Good depth on the nose with a juicier palate this year, with a mixture of berries, red peppers and cherries. The chalky tannins are still quite firm and the wine delivers lots of fruit, with a long finish. Tight and tense. 70% cabernet sauvignon and 30% merlot.
