Capbern 2020 (750ML)

94-96 JD / 93 JS / 92 WS / 92 WE / 92 JA / 91 VM / 91 WI / 17 JR

Readers looking for an off-the-charts value should snatch up the 2020 Château Capbern, which emerges from the same team as Calon Ségur. Offering a vivid bouquet of cassis, leafy tobacco, violets, damp earth, and chocolate, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, perfectly ripe fruit (not overripe, not underripe), ultra-fine, integrated tannins, and the mix of freshness and richness that’s part of all great wines. It’s a hidden gem in Saint-Estèphe. - Jeb Dunnuck

This is pretty and aromatic with ripe black cherries and blackberries as well as hints of chocolate, sweet spices and nut shell. Full-bodied with a deep character of mellow black fruit. Firm and structured with ripe, fine-grained tannins and a velvety finish. Try after 2025. -JamesSuckling.com

Shows a darker profile than most of its AOC brethren, with dark plum and black cherry fruit forming the core, while hints of singed bay leaf, warm earth and dark tobacco peek through. Reveals an earthy tug through the finish, too. Approachable now but no rush. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2034. - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

This ripe wine has rich tannins and an open, juicy character. Blackberry flavors are warm from the wine's richness. With its density, the wine needs some time. Drink from 2026. - Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast

Capbern is an exciting label to watch in St Estèphe, as it becomes increasingly sleek and complete. There is a punch of ripe fruit here, following the heat waves of the summer, and you find blackberry, damson, cocoa bean and pencil lead, but still plenty of juice to keep the flavours concentrated but flowing. 60% new oak, 3.8ph, 33hl/ha yield.- Jane Anson, Decanter

The 2020 Capbern remains quite the powerhouse, but it has come together well. Punchy red berry fruit, kirsch, gravel and white pepper all meld together in a Saint-Estèphe of class and personality. There's real depth and plenty of character. This is very nicely done. Tasted two times. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

The 2020 Capbern is deep garnet-purple in color. It needs a lot of coaxing to reveal a core laced with crème de cassis, wild blueberries, and mulberries, with hints of fruitcake and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is plush and juicy, with plenty of uncomplicated black fruits and a spicy finish. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent

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. - Jancis Robinson