Chateau CapbernBordeaux, France

Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux

Château Capbern is an under-the-radar estate located in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of Bordeaux’s Left Bank. Owned by the same family behind Château Calon-Ségur, one of the most prestigious estates in Saint-Estèphe, Château Capbern has been steadily gaining recognition for producing wines of exceptional quality at a more affordable price. Known for its structure, power, and ability to age, Château Capbern offers a taste of classic Saint-Estèphe with a modern twist.

History of Château Capbern

Château Capbern, previously known as Capbern Gasqueton, has a rich history intertwined with that of its more famous neighbour, Château Calon-Ségur. The Gasqueton family, who managed both estates for many years, played an essential role in maintaining the quality and reputation of both properties. While Château Capbern remained lesser-known compared to Calon-Ségur, the estate consistently produced excellent wines that reflected the robust and structured style of Saint-Estèphe.

In 2012, Château Capbern, along with Château Calon-Ségur, was purchased by the French insurance group Suravenir. Since then, significant investments have been made in the vineyard and winemaking facilities, elevating the quality of Château Capbern’s wines. The estate continues to benefit from its connection to Calon-Ségur, with both properties sharing the same winemaking team and resources, further enhancing its ability to produce wines that punch above their weight.

Terroir of Château Capbern

Château Capbern’s vineyards cover 33 hectares in the northern part of Saint-Estèphe, an area known for its gravelly soils, which are ideal for cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon. These deep gravel soils, mixed with clay and limestone, provide excellent drainage while retaining enough moisture to sustain the vines during dry periods. This combination of soil types allows the estate to produce wines that are both powerful and balanced, with a distinctive minerality.

The vineyard is planted with 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, a blend that reflects the classic style of the Médoc. Cabernet Sauvignon thrives in the well-drained gravel soils, contributing structure, tannins, and longevity to the wines, while Merlot adds softness and richness. The addition of Petit Verdot brings spice and complexity to the blend, resulting in a wine that is both approachable in its youth and capable of ageing for several years.

Winemaking at Château Capbern

The winemaking team at Château Capbern, led by the same team that manages Château Calon-Ségur, applies a meticulous approach to vineyard management and vinification. The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted to ensure that only the highest quality fruit is used in the winemaking process. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, allowing for precise control over the extraction of flavours, tannins, and colour.

After fermentation, the wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, with about 60% new oak used each year. The moderate use of new oak enhances the wine’s structure and complexity, while allowing the fruit to remain the focus. The result is a wine that combines the power and structure of Saint-Estèphe with the elegance and refinement that are hallmarks of top Bordeaux wines.

Style of Wine Produced

Château Capbern produces wines that are classic representations of Saint-Estèphe—full-bodied, structured, and with a firm tannic backbone. The wines typically exhibit aromas of blackcurrant, plum, and blackberry, with earthy notes of tobacco, cedar, and graphite. On the palate, the wines are rich and layered, with fine tannins, bright acidity, and a long, lingering finish.

The high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend ensures that the wines have excellent ageing potential, often requiring several years in the cellar to fully develop their complexity. As they age, the wines soften, revealing additional layers of dark fruit, spice, and minerality.