2018 Capbern (St-Estephe)

A tasty, extremely appetising Capbern that, after tasting, makes you already look forward to drinking in bottle. It has a real elegance to its black fruits, and the tannins have a softness and succulence to them, leading on to a mouthwatering finish. Harvest took place between 19 September and 8 October, around one week earlier than in a classic year according to Laurent Dufau, and yielding 37hl/ha. 3.7pH. 60% new oak. 92 points e. Red cherry fruit, mint, dried flowers, cedar and tobacco add aromatic nuance to this highly expressive, vibrant Saint-Estèphe. The blend is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot. Tasted two times. 90-92 points

This is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot. The yield is 41 hl/ha, wit pH 3.75 and the alcohol level is 14.6%, a little lower than Calon-Ségur and Marquis de Calon, from the same team. The nose is charming and expressive, with some lightly grilled hedgerow fruits, dressed with dark chocolate and black pepper. The palate is cool, precise, tense and quite grippy, with a tightly grained and polished substance. There is plenty of energy here, the end of the palate absolutely packed with grip, but also cleansed by a fresh acid seam. It culminates in a long, gripped and reassuring finish. Overall, very good. 92-94 points