Château Capbern, St Estèphe, 2020

This excellent estate situated between Calon Segur and Montrose benefits from the same wine making team as Calon Segur: 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 Château tucked away behind the church in St Estèphe. Yet again, this will be one of the best value buys of the vintage. Opening with gorgeous notes of coal, clove and spices, mingled with purple, quite heady fruit, Star anise, kirsch and dandelions. The palate is very suave and silky, beautiful texture here to the crisp hedgerow fruit, layers of graphite and cocoa nibs, this has the making of a serious Capbern, with waves of perfumed fruit, vital, dark and deeply concentrated, yet effortless, lifted and so vibrant. Finishes with tannins packed with black cherry, and dark mineral cassis. Very impressive! 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot.