2017 Château Capbern
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Tasting notes
An overlooked vintage. Pale garnet. Edgy, stony nose with real character. Good texture with the tannins well managed and (just) not too much acidity. Some personality. Good for the vintage! GV (JR)
Critic scores
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Full bottle 1,247 g. The 2009, still called Ch Capbern Gasqueton, was a particular favourite and bargain for Purple Pagers. Now made by the new owners of Calon Ségur. Mid crimson. Fresh and recognisably St-Estèphe. Breezy and appetising but without much ripe fruit in the middle before a bone dry, lightly stony finish. Perfectly correct claret that's drinking nicely now and, I suppose, not a silly price. But not thrilling. And not a long distance runner. (JR)
Tasted blind. Mid ruby colour. Camphor and plum on the nose – slightly muted. Very grippy entry, with mouth-coating, chewy tannins and high acidity. Structured and classic, with some sweet spice fleshing out the finish. Very firm, bordering on austere. (TP)
The 2017 Capbern is a very pretty wine to drink now and over the next few years. Sweet red cherry, red plum, blood orange, mocha and floral notes are nicely pushed forward in this supple, racy Saint-Estèphe. Dried herbs and a range of floral Cabernet Sauvignon inflections add character. Tasted two times.