2010 Capbern Gasqueton

Tasted at Calon-Segur, this sample was taken from a new barrel, though it will be raised in 80% new oak. This is the first vintage to be vinified at the new cuverie and is a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Merlot with the addition of 10% vin de presse. This has an attractive bouquet with brambly black fruits, a touch of hot slate and wild hedgerow. Very natural. The palate is medium-bodied with powdery tannins on the entry, good acidity and a lot of freshness on the finish, with notes of blackberry, wild strawberry and a touch of tobacco. What a great Saint Estephe! Drink 2012-2022. Tasted March 2011. Neal Martin erobertparker.com

Only the second year this wine has been offered en primeur. A separate, very varied plot in which 26 of 37 ha have been planted. Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon but 30% Merlot, especially on a parcel of high limestone. In 2010 they built a new cuvier to improve Capbern in which each plot can be vinified separately. Lively deep crimson. Oddly, this seems fuller and sweeter than the 2009 – very punchy. Firm then furry tannins on the end and a big core of ripe fruit in the middle. Quite open and developed without that much acidity. He says he has already added 10% press wine. I found this a bit less energetic than the 2009. Good but not necessarily such a good buy (though of course we don’t know the prices yet…) Jancis Robinson, jancisrobinson.com

Composed of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Merlot, this is one of the Gasqueton family’s finest efforts to date (although the 2009 was also very good). The dark ruby/purple-tinged 2010 exhibits plenty of delicious red and blackberry fruit, medium body and more size and substance than most past vintages. It should drink well for a decade or more. May 2011, www.robertparker.com