A wine with a great pedigred, Château Capbern (restyled from Capbern-Gaqueton in 2013), this 2015 from the least-favoured appellation of St Estèphe was a very pleasant surprise. The wine is 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, and shows a really nice wash of pure fruit, that feels pretty polished. A very attractive texture on the finish completes a wine that is so often a smart buy, from the makers of Calon-Ségur.
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.
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.
Bright crimson. Racy nose. Lighter than some vintages. The oak is just a little sweet and obvious at this stage. Pretty astringent finish.
Very fine and polished with lovely integration and finesse. Medium to full body, fresh finish. Harmony here.
Critic score 92.75/100
Maturity Young 2026 - 2039
Prices shown in bond
Maturity Ready 2015 - 2025
Maturity Young 2026 - 2038
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