| 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 2022 it is 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. The yield was low at 26 hl/ha and it achieved 15% alcohol. It is being matured in 60% new oak
Notes of dark berries and cherries mingled with licorice and loamy soil introduce the 2022 Capbern, a medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy wine framed by ripe, powdery tannins and concluding with a long, somewhat heady finish. It's a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, picked between the 6th and 27th of September.
The 2022 Capbern was cropped at 26hL/ha between 6 and 27 September, a 20-day cuvaison and matured in 60% new oak for a planned 18 months. The Cabernet Sauvignon berries were tiny this year, which underlies why the Merlot comprises a higher percentage of the blend. It has an airy, floral bouquet with blackberries, wild strawberries and a touch of raspberry confit. There's an almost Pinot-like purity. The palate is medium-bodied with a grippy, peppery entry, full-bodied and muscular at the moment. I'm seeking a bit more grace here - perhaps this Saint-Estèphe is slightly over-revving on the finish? 2027-2047
A firm and tight red with blackberry and currant character. Medium body. Bright and savory.
Capbern often offers great value for money and so it proves again in 2022. Stony and oily in equal measure, it offers dark, ripe fruit and lively acids in equal measure. Fleshy but always accented by tones of graphite and savoury spice, it has the chalky grip of the northern Médoc in a juicy, approachable guise. It will be delicious fairly young thanks to a silky, fruit-laden finish.
Made from 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc, the 2022 Capbern is deep garnet-purple in color. It sashays out with flamboyant scents of warm cassis, fresh blackberries, and cherry pie, followed by suggestions of sassafras, cedar chest, and iron ore. The concentrated, full-bodied palate is jam packed with black fruit flavors, supported by finely grained tannins and just enough freshness, finishing decadently rich and with great persistence. pH 3.8.
Attractive inky ruby colour, sculpted slightly heady iris flowers on the aromatics, opens to damson fruits, cocoa bean, liquorice root, slate, clear concentration and a flash of heat. Harvest began on September 6, earliest ever seen here, through to September 27. 26hl/h yields. 60% new oak.
53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample.
Firm, structured and long on the finish. Plentiful tannins but polished and round. Oak a little too manifest at present, the finish drying, but should integrate. (JL) 15%
Drink 2029– 2040
