Château Capbern, St Estèphe, 2016
This excellent estate situated between Calon Segur and Montrose benefits from the same wine making team as Calon Segur: Laurent Dufau, Vincent Millet and Eric Boissenot. The fruit from this vineyard formed part of Calon Segur until the 2006 vintage, when the late Denise Gasqueton decided to create a separate label. It has now dropped the Gasqueton from its name and will just be called 'Capbern'. It has its own very smart winery and there is a very handsome Chateau tucked away behind the church in St Estephe. 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot cropped at 47 hl/ha, the 2016 Capbern has plenty of perfumed Cabernet character. There's a certain mineral austerity you expect from St Estephe that is both alluring and lends this a gravitas beyond its price point. Sumptuous, creamy cassis, wild plum and flowers - this is a bright fruited, very smart Capbern with a fine tannic profile. This will be excellent value for money.
critic reviews
The 2016 Capbern is deep garnet colored. It bursts with scents of black cherries, mulberries, and cassis, plus suggestions of underbrush and pencil lead with a waft of Indian spices. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with spicy black fruits, delivering velvety tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long.
Deep ruby colour, similar to the 2014 but with a little more vibrancy. On the palate, the depth and concentration is clear, with layers of damson plum, cocoa bean, mandarin peel, earth and peat. Full of charm and character, with higher alcohols than many but no trace of heat.
The 2016 Capbern from the Calon-Ségur team, matured in 50-60% new oak, has a wonderful bouquet of blackberry, pencil lead and light floral aromas that leap out of the glass. The beautifully balanced palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, leading to a supple, smooth but complex graphite finish. This is a superb Capbern, easily the best ever made.