Capbern 2020

(69% CS, 29% M, 1% CF, 1% PV; 35hl/ha; 14.1% ABV; 60% new)A nose that is above all mineral; full, fresh to vital in acidity, fine in tannin, a lovely balance; sweet cassis-cored to taste, crisply defined by its Cabernet acidity, intense yet restrained, particularly refined, and fresh in the “hot-year” context, and with lovely length. Likely to be very good value. 2025–35+.

The 2020 Capbern has a really quite lovely, sensual bouquet that could charm at a thousand paces: raspberry confit and wild strawberries. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, a fine bead of acidity, touches of pencil lead and pain grillé towards the finely proportioned, almost easygoing finish. This delightful Saint-Estèphe will drink well for the next dozen or so years.

The 2020 Capbern tasted at the château showed slightly better than the sample sent to the UK. Essentially, whilst the aromatics are near identical, the palate is a tad more precise and certainly less austere. There is more cohesion and more pliant tannins towards the finish, encouraging me to raise my banded score.

The 2020 Capbern has a delineated, earthy nose with predominantly black fruit and light estuarine scents, although it needs a little more intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with a tannic, slightly austere opening, saline and lightly spiced with a pleasant bitter edge towards the finish. Maybe a little short? It should fill out during its élevage so let’s see if it just gains persistence then. 2025 - 2033.