Capbern


From the same stable as St-Estephe stablemate Calon-Segur, with the same management and winemaking team, Capbern has always been a bit of a wine trade insider secret. Prior to 2013, it was called Capbern-Gasqueton (the double barrel referencing the two important families in its story) but that was clipped back to Capbern under new management. Both Calon-Segur and Capbern were under the control of the Capbern-Gasqueton family by the late 1900s, and stayed there throughout the 20th century. Madame Denise Capbern-Gasqueton took the reins up in 1995 on the death of her husband, and despite being advanced in years she also proved to be a reforming force of energy. She brought in a new winemaker, and oversaw a comprehensive upgrade in the facilities. In 2009 she launched Capbern-Gasqueton onto the en primeur market for the first time.

In 2011, Madame Capbern-Gasqueton passed away at the very respectable age of 87. While her daughter would have liked to continue her mother’s work, she was unable to buy out other relatives who had an interest, and the properties had to be sold. Both were acquired by Suravenir Assurances, a large insurance concern, with Jean-Pierre Moueix (owner of Petrus and the negociant company Duclot) taking a minority stake. The philosophy is very much about a steady hand on tiller, with the winemaking team kept in place from the previous era, while welcome investment has arrived.

The chateau itself sits in the village of St-Estephe, next to the church. The vineyards are in two different sections. One is next to the chateau, abutting the vineyards of Calon-Segur and Meyney, while the other is further south and closer to the Gironde, near Chateau Meyney. There is a good mix of terroir encompassing gravel, clay, limestone and (nearer the Gironde) sand. At most recent count there are 29 hectares under vine, roughly 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and the balance between Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. (NT 21/08/23)

Vintage Description Cs Szsort descending Bt Sz Cs Bts Cs ib Cs inc Bt inc
2019 drink or keep Capbern (St-Estephe)
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6x 75cl 4 3 £95.00 £137.09 £24.95 Buy