Capbern 2015

The 2015 Capbern has a ripe and intense bouquet of black cherries, raspberry and touches of iodine, perhaps just a little more extraction than its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly rustic tannin, just sagging a little in the middle where I would prefer more flesh, although it may fill out with time. It just fades a little on the finish. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.

The 2015 Capbern showed quite well in barrel, and similarly, I appreciate the perfume and fruit-driven bouquet here, with ample ripe dark cherries, cassis and light graphite notes. The palate is medium-bodied with rounded, supple tannin and quite plush black fruit laced with white pepper and graphite with a sustained finish. Enjoy this over the next 5 to 7 years. Anticipated maturity: 2018 - 2024.

The 2015 Capbern (formerly Capbern Gasqueton) is a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, to be matured in 60% new oak over the next 18 months. This is the first time that Petit Verdot has been included in the blend from new plantings, around ten-years-old now. It has a crisp blackberry and bilberry scented bouquet, quite linear, a floral aspect emerging after a couple of minutes in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with quite a structured opening, a decidedly more masculine Capbern Gasqueton in the making, with a slight tinniness towards the finish. Give this 3-4 years in bottle for the jaggedness in those tannins to soften. Drink 2019-2030

This is structured and very linear with superfine and polished tannins. It’s full-bodied yet reserved and held back with such tension and focus. Full-bodied, fine and chewy on the finish. Better in 2020.

Very fine and polished with lovely integration and finesse. Medium to full body, fresh finish. Harmony here.

Dark cherry, plum, violet, lavender, licorice and menthol notes infuse the 2015 Capbern. Pliant and inviting, with lovely fruit density, the 2015 is a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so. The 2015 speaks to balance and harmony above all else. Like all Saint-Estèphes in this vintage, the 2015 lacks a bit of stuffing. Even so, the 60% new oak is nicely integrated. The blend is 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Tasted two times. 2020+

The 2015 Capbern is striking. Pliant, open-knit and seductive, the 2015 offers lovely radiance and superb balance, especially at this level. Black cherry, plum, mint and violet notes are laced into the aromatic, silky finish. There is so much to like in this forward, fruit-driven Saint-Estèphe. The blend is 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Tasted three times.

Tasted blind. Very dark crimson. Focused, quite intense nose. Lovely rich fruit on the front palate. Then quite a mass of tannin but well covered by the glorious fruit. Not that much made. VGV en primeur.
Drink 2025-2040

Bright crimson. Racy nose. Lighter than some vintages. The oak is just a little sweet and obvious at this stage. Pretty astringent finish. 13.7%
Drink 2023-2030

This Saint Estephe 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 Phelan Segur and Meyney. The blend of the 2015 is 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Vivid purple colour. This is extremely primary with blueberry and bramble fruit on the nose. The palate is fresh and floral with a juicy blue fruit core and hints of summer pudding. Cocoa-textured tannins provide a fine structure and a hint of vanilla on the finish adds complexity from the new oak.

A rocking wine from the northern Médoc is the 2015 Château Capbern and it’s 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot brought up in 60% new barrels. This medium to full-bodied, ripe, impressively concentrated beauty boasts outstanding notes of ripe black cherry and currant fruits intermixed with lots of crushed flower and damp earth/clay-like nuances. It has terrific purity and ripe, yet present, tannin and will benefit from a couple years in the cellar. It’s a little gem that will be loved by old-school Bordeaux lovers. Tasted twice. 2020 - 2032

Concentrated fruit on the nose the start of the palate is sweet with rich fruit in the middle. Under the black fruits and dark chocolate bilberry and bramble refresh and lighten the finish.

In 2015, Capbern seems to have secured its own identity fully and it is now a worthy addition to the roll call of famous
Saint-Estèphe Châteaux. Pure, purple-hued, forward, smooth and juicy, this is a sprightly, clean wine and with Petit
Verdot making itself heard in the blend, bringing spice and structure to the crisp tannins. Delicious and immediate this
is a very satisfying wine.