2022 Capbern (St-Estephe)

Notes of dark berries and cherries mingled with licorice and loamy soil introduce the 2022 Capbern, a medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy wine framed by ripe, powdery tannins and concluding with a long, somewhat heady finish. It`s a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, picked between the 6th and 27th of September. 90-92 points

Attractive inky ruby colour, sculpted slightly heady iris flowers on the aromatics, opens to damson fruits, cocoa bean, liquorice root, slate, clear concentration and a flash of heat. Harvest began on September 6, earliest ever seen here, through to September 27. 26hl/h yields. 60% new oak. 91 points

The 2022 Capbern is a wild, exotic wine. Super-ripe, red-toned fruit, chalk, mint, white pepper and sweet spice are front and center. The tannins are a bit untamed at this stage; hopefully elevage will take care of that. Tasted two times. 89-91 points

The 2022 Capbern was cropped at 26hL/ha between 6 and 27 September, a 20-day cuvaison and matured in 60% new oak for a planned 18 months. The Cabernet Sauvignon berries were tiny this year, which underlies why the Merlot comprises a higher percentage of the blend. It has an airy, floral bouquet with blackberries, wild strawberries and a touch of raspberry confit. There`s an almost Pinot-like purity. The palate is medium-bodied with a grippy, peppery entry, full-bodied and muscular at the moment. I`m seeking a bit more grace here - perhaps this Saint-Estephe is slightly over-revving on the finish? 90-92 points