2025 Capbern (St-Estephe)

Beautiful tension and concentration, delivers energy and balance, cassis, bilberry, orange peel, showing the gravel clay limestone terroir, lovely fresh lift, well balanced with finesse. A real drinkability is apparent, helped by wine making choices such as low temperature fermentation, low extraction, low amounts of press wine. Harvest September 4 to 20. New label from 2024 vintage, has the Calon heart and makes explicit the link that the two estates were owned by same family since the 19th century. Vincent Millet director. 60% new oak. 3.60 pH. Yield 32 hl/ha. 93 points

The 2025 Capbern is an absolute delight. Bold, juicy and super expressive, the 2025 is so showy today. A rush of dark red-toned fruit, new leather, spice, menthol, dried flowers and mocha makes a strong opening statement. Cabernet Sauvignon drives the blend. Capbern is usually pretty burly. The 2025 offers plenty of fruit intensity along with tannins that are more refined than most years. This is such a gorgeous wine. Best of all, Capbern should be a terrific value. 90-93 points

A blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, the 2025 Capbern now sports a new label that reflects its historic links to Calon-Segur. Offering up notes of violets, dark berries and a deft touch of creamy new oak, it`s medium- to full-bodied, ample and fleshy, with supple, powdery tannins that assert themselves on the youthfully structured finish. It checks in at 13.8% alcohol. 91-93 points

The 2025 Capbern comes with a redesigned label that now sports the same heart-shaped motif in order to visibly link it with Calon-Segur. This was picked from September 4 with the Merlot until September 20, the fastest harvest ever at 15 days since the maturity was already there. Yields are 32 hl/ha and it was matured in 60% new oak barrels, alcohol 13.8% with a 3.25 pH. This has an attractive bouquet with brambly black fruit, briar, cedar and light tea leaf scents that gradually open in the glass. Fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, gentle grip, a little chalkiness and plenty of freshness and poise towards the finish. More cohesive than recent vintages, I really appreciate the control and mineralite towards the finish. This is one of the best Capbern releases to date. 92-94 points