Appellations

Capbern 2017

St Estephe, Cru bourgeois

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Tasting Notes

The 2017 Capbern was cropped at 43.5hl/ha and matured in 60% new oak. It has a fresh, lively cranberry and blackcurrant-scented bouquet, a little savory in style with hints of Japanese nori (seaweed). The palate is nicely structured with a keen thread of acidity. There is a little compactness on the entry but it gently unfolds towards the finish that exerts subtle grip. It is the precision rather than the power that defines this Capbern and if released at similar prices to previous vintages, could be one of the must-buys of 2017.

Score: 89 - 91 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2021-2032 Date: 01 May 2018

The 2017 Capbern is soft, pliant and inviting. This pretty, gracious Saint-Estèphe has plenty to offer, especially over the near and medium term. Floral notes give lift to the bright red cherry fruit. Soft contours and mid-weight structure add to the wine's immediacy. Tasted two times.

Score: 88 - 90 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Date: 01 May 2018

Deep crimson with purple rim. Fresh and delicious bramble and cassis fruit. Firm, finely grained, super-fresh. Slightly chewy but with plenty of dark fruit in the middle. Full but balanced.

Score: 16 - 17 Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2023-2030 Date: 27 April 2018

The tentative blend for the 2017 Capbern is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it gives exuberant red cherries, blackberries and black raspberries on the nose with touches of bay leaves and dusty soil. The palate is medium-bodied, elegant and fresh with chewy tannins and an earthy finish.

Score: 85 - 87 Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Date: 27 April 2018

This large estate has turned out a classic wine in 2017 that just screams of Saint-Estèphe. Checking in as a rough blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, and the rest equal parts Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it will spend 18 months in 60% new French oak. Textbook Saint Estèphe dark fruits, damp earth, and tobacco leaf all flow to a medium-bodied, rounded, nicely textured wine that has the cooler, perfumed, aromatics style of the vintage, good mid-palate depth, and gorgeous purity of fruit. Classic Bordeaux lovers will dig this.

Score: 90 - 92 Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com Date: 23 April 2018

Dark berries and crushed stones. Medium body, firm and silky tannins and a fresh finish. Tightness.

Score: 91 - 92 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 06 April 2018

Fresh and juicy, with pomegranate and damson plum fruit laced liberally with lilac, savory and pebble hints.

Score: 88 - 91 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Date: 04 April 2018

The Merlots and Cabernet Francs suffered a little from the rains of September, but the early season and lack of frost damage helped overcome this, with a normal yield of 43.5hl/ha. Capbern has an ample mid-palate with savoury but fleshy blueberry and blackberry fruits, and mint-edged charcoal - it's well put together. 3% Petit Verdot makes up the blend given here. Ageing for 18 months in 60% new oak. 3.8pH.

Score: 89 Jane Anson, Decanter.com Maturity: 2024-2036 Date: 01 April 2018