2022 Château Capbern

The 2022 Capbern takes a few minutes to really coalesce on the nose. It has more red fruit than I recall compared to en primeur, with raspberry and wild strawberry scents, touches of wilted rose petal and a hint of dried blood in the background. This opens nicely with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a rounded, very harmonious opening, well-judged acidity and a judicious dab of spice toward the finish. This finishes with style, perhaps better than the aromatics at the moment. It is promising.

- Neal Martin (01/2025)

Ashtray and fine dark spices with plenty of cassis and peppercorns. Spiced black cherries too. Rich on the palate with fine, dusty tannins that manage to vibrate and deliver structure to the fruit. Almost full-bodied, this has outstanding depth, concentration and length. Drink from 2027.

- Zekun Shuai (01/2025)

From the team at Calon-Ségur and deep ruby/plum-hued, the 2022 Château Capbern has a youthful, unevolved profile in its black and blue fruits as well as crushed stone, graphite, and violet-like perfume. This carries to a rich, medium to full-bodied, concentrated Capbern that has solid depth of fruit, juicy acidity, and ripe tannins. It has all the right components, but it's going to need some time to come together. (02/2025)

Notes of red and black currant preserves form the core, while dried lilac and rose hip add a floral hint. Sleek through the finish, with just a kiss of toast that lets an iron detail chime prettily underneath the fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2037. 6,000 cases made.

- J.M.