CHÂTEAU CAPBERN

The 2014 Capbern is bold, ripe and quite juicy. Although not especially subtle, the 2014 possesses striking aromatic nuance, power and intensity. Dried cherry, licorice, herbs, tobacco and mint add attractive aromatic topnotes, but it is the wine’s juiciness that stands out most. This is a strong showing. The 2014 offers plenty of near- and medium-term appeal, but also has enough structure to drink well for at least a number of years. Drinking range: 2017 - 2024 Rating: 92 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Feb 2017)

The Château Capbern 2014 (note the new un-appended name that will be introduced with the 2013 vintage) is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. There is appreciable volume on the nose, quite floral with incense developing with time. The palate is smooth and velvety on the entry with sweet tannin. There is a dash of white pepper towards the second half of this well-structured, quite sophisticated Saint Estèphe that sports a long, peppery, slightly earthy, masculine finish. Give this four or five years in bottle to allow those tannins to soften. Drinking range: 2019 - 2032 Rating: 89-91 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2015)

Fine florality, fragrance, length and grip from 78% Cabernet Sauvignon - this vintage is more airy than earthy and beautifully expressive. (Highly Recommended St-Estèphe, Decanter.) Drinking range: 2018 - 2028 Rating: 90 Steven Spurrier (Apr 2015)

A delicious, mouth filling St. Estèphe, the 2014 Capbern captures the personality of the year in the northern Médoc in spades. Hints of smoke, tobacco, licorice, mocha and earthiness wrap around a core of dark fruit in an exuberant wine loaded with pure textural richness. The 2014 finishes with notable intensity to round out its racy, voluptuous personality. There is so much to like here, including what should be a reasonable price. The blend is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, the first time Capbern includes Petit Verdot. Rating: 90-92 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2015)

Renamed from 2013 - they've dropped the Gasqueton! ‘Not too easy to pronounce.’ Very floral nose and round and juicy. Punchy and fun. Lots of fruit and very fine tannins – though not opulent. Drinking range: 2021 - 2028 Rating: 17 Jancis Robinson OBE MW - www.JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2015)

Bilberry freshness the nose has a fragrant mix of flavours and although the start of the palate is fresh the mid palate has depth richness with ripe fruit supported by fine tannins. Fresh at the back the finish has a fragrant charm. Drinking range: 2025 - 2035 Rating: 86-89 Derek Smedley MW, www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk (Apr 2015)