"Neal Martin, vinous.com 88-90/100
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.
James Lawther MW, JancisRobinson.com 17/20
Dense but vibrant and aromatic. Plenty of crunchy fruit and freshness. Bigger structure than 2019, closer to 2018, the tannins firm and textured. Dry, persistent finish. One for the cellar. Should be GV. 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. Cask sample.(JL) 14.1% Drink 2027 – 2040
Michael Schuster, The World of Fine Wine 89-91/100
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. (69% CS, 29% M, 1% CF, 1% PV; 35hl/ha; 14.1% ABV; 60% new) Drink 2025–35+."
TheWineCellarInsider.com;
The modern era for the chateau began July 2012 when Chateau Capbern Gasqueton and Chateau Calon were sold to the large French Insurance company, Suravenir Insurance. Starting with the 2013 vintage, they dropped the second part of their name and began selling their wine under the simpler name of just Chateau Capbern.
One of the first moves the new owners made was to hire Laurent Dufau, who quickly turned things around. In 2014, Chateau Capbern Gasqueton produced the best wine in the history of the estate.
The 33 hectare Medoc vineyard of Chateau Capbern is planted to 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. The terroir is a mix of gravel, clay, and chalky soils. On average, the vines are close to 20 years of age. The vineyards are located in two different areas with slightly different terroirs. One part of the vineyard is situated not far from Calon Segur and Chateau Phelan Segur. The other section is closer to the Gironde river, close to Chateau Meyney. The wine is aged in close to 60% new, French oak barrels for 18 months.
