Château Capbern Saint-Estèphe Rouge 2018
Château Capbern’s left bank vineyards were purchased by Georges Gasqueton in 1894. The estate took its name (at that time, Château Capbern Gasqueton) from two of its more famous owners, the Gasqueton and Capbern families. The Gasqueton family managed the estate until 2012. In 2012 the estate was sold (along with Château Calon Segur) to a group, with Jean-Pierre Moueix, the owner of the famed Petrus, taking a stake.
Starting with the 2013 vintage, they dropped the second part of their name and began selling their wine under the simpler name of just Château Capbern. One of the first moves the new owners made was to hire Laurent Dufau, who in 2014 produced the best wine in the history of the estate!
The 33 hectare Médoc vineyard of Château Capbern is planted to 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. The terroir is a mix of gravel, clay, and chalky soils. On average, the vines are close to 20 years of age. The Médoc vineyards are located in two different areas with slightly different terroirs. One part of the vineyard is situated not far from Calon Segur. The other section is closer to the Gironde river. The actual cellars and wine-making facilities are located in the village of Saint-Estèphe. Vinification takes place in stainless steel vats. Malolactic fermentation takes place in tank. The wine is aged in close to 60% new, French oak barrels for 18 months.
This richly structured wine is layered with dense black fruits and serious tannins. A big wine in every sense, it is concentrated and juicy. The wine is made by the team from nearby classed growth Chateau Calon Segur. Drink from 2026. - Wine Enthusiast, 94 pts
The 2018 Château Capbern checks in as a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend that includes 37% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, all of which was brought up in 60% new barrels. It has a deep, dark, earthy, classic Saint-Estèphe bouquet that gives up lots of cassis and almost blue fruits as well as ample chocolate, damp earth, and leafy herb-like aromas and flavors. With a full-bodied, rich, opulent mouthfeel, loads of sumptuous dark fruits, sweet tannins, and a great finish, this brilliant 2018 brings lots of fruit and opulence, yet stays weightless and balanced, with solid underlying structure. A hidden gem in the vintage, this is every bit as good as the 2016, and it's going to shine for two decades or more. - Jeb Dunnuck, 94 pts
The 2018 Capbern is composed of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot and comes in at 14.6% alcohol. It's anticipated to age for 16 months in barriques, 60% new. Deep purple-black in color, it leaps from the glass with vibrant scents of black raspberries, kirsch and fresh blackcurrants with nuances of cedar chest, pencil lead and forest floor plus a waft of lavender. Full-bodied, rich and packed with juicy fruit, it has a firm line of grainy tannins and loads of freshness, finishing with an herbal lift. - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 93 pts
A juicy and savory red with currant, walnut, mushroom and cedar aromas that follow through to a medium body with firm tannins and a savory finish. Drink after 2023. - James Suckling, 92 pts
A tasty, extremely appetising Capbern that, after tasting, makes you you already look forward to drinking in bottle. It has a real elegance to its black fruits, and the tannins have a softness and succulence to them, leading on to a mouthwatering finish. Harvest took place between 19 September and 8 October, around one week earlier than in a classic year according to Laurent Dufau, and yielding 37hl/ha. Drinking Window 2024 - 2036. - Decanter, 92 pts
This shows a mix of olive, bay and pepper notes that are wrangling with a core of dark currant and plum fruit right now. Structure is fine-grained and everything knits nicely through the finish, but this is for fans of the slightly gamy side. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. - Wine Spectator, 90 pts
