Capbern 2016 75cl

The 2016 Capbern is a blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot aged for 18 months in 60% new and 40% one-year-old oak. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with cedar, blackberries and blueberries with wafts of tobacco, bay leaves and scorched earth. Medium to full-bodied, elegant and vibrant in the mouth, it possesses lovely poise and an earthy finish.

A core of gently mulled plum and blackberry fruit is infused with perfumy bay and tobacco notes, while a light alder hint weaves through the finish. Some sneaky grip too, so while accessible, this has a few years of life ahead. Drink now through 2029. 5,000 cases made. — JM