Capbern Gasqueton
Summary
Château Capbern is a 38-hectare Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel estate in Saint-Estèphe producing structured, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant wines from gravelly soils atop clay-limestone subsoils with vineyards averaging 35 years of age. Under the same ownership and technical team as prestigious Calon-Ségur, this hidden gem delivers authentic Saint-Estèphe character through parcel-by-parcel harvesting and precise winemaking while remaining remarkably undervalued compared to its classified growth neighbors.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Capbern, formerly known as Château Capbern-Gasqueton until 2013, is a Saint-Estèphe property with deep historical roots in the Médoc. The estate was owned by the Gasqueton family for generations, with Denise Capbern-Gasqueton serving as the last family proprietor until her passing in 2009. In 2013, the property was acquired by Suravenir, a French insurance company that also purchased the neighboring Château Calon-Ségur in the same transaction.
Under the current ownership, the estate is directed by Laurent Dufau, who serves as the general manager overseeing both Calon-Ségur and Capbern. The technical direction falls to Vincent Millet, who implements a precise approach to viticulture and winemaking across both properties. Consultant oenologist Eric Boissenot provides additional expertise, maintaining continuity with the estate's historical style while implementing quality-focused improvements.
The 2013 name change from Capbern-Gasqueton to simply Château Capbern marked a new chapter for the property, coinciding with significant investments in both the vineyard and winery facilities.
Vineyards & Wines
Château Capbern encompasses 38 hectares of vineyards in the Saint-Estèphe appellation on Bordeaux's Left Bank. The vineyard is planted predominantly to Cabernet Sauvignon (62%) and Merlot (37%), with a small proportion of Petit Verdot (1%). The vines grow in classic Saint-Estèphe terroir characterized by gravelly soils atop clay-limestone subsoils, providing good drainage and mineral complexity.
The vineyard parcels are distributed throughout the southern sector of Saint-Estèphe, with some plots situated near the Gironde estuary. This proximity to the water creates a moderating influence on temperatures, helping to protect against spring frosts and extreme summer heat. The average vine age stands at approximately 35 years, with ongoing replanting programs to maintain optimal vine health and fruit quality.
The estate produces a single wine, Château Capbern, classified as a Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel in the 2020 classification. Annual production averages around 150,000 bottles, depending on the vintage conditions.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking at Château Capbern follows traditional Bordeaux methods enhanced by modern precision. Harvest is conducted parcel by parcel, with each vineyard block picked at optimal ripeness and fermented separately. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing for precise extraction management tailored to each lot.
After fermentation, the wine ages for 18 months in French oak barrels, with approximately 60% new oak. This measured approach to oak aging aims to support the wine's structure while preserving fruit expression and terroir character. The final blend is determined through extensive tastings, with the percentage of each variety varying slightly according to the vintage conditions.
In the vineyard, the team implements sustainable farming practices with careful canopy management and yield control. Mechanical harvesting has been replaced by hand-picking, and sorting occurs both in the vineyard and at the winery using optical sorting technology. These technical improvements, along with investments in winery equipment, have contributed to a notable increase in quality since the change in ownership, while maintaining the classic Saint-Estèphe character of structure and longevity balanced with approachable fruit.