Chateau Calon Segur St. Estephe, Bordeaux, Complete Guide

Learn everything about Chateau Calon Segur St. Estephe Third Growth with wine tasting notes and wine-with-food pairing tips. Learn the best vintages, a history of the property, and information on the vineyards, and winemaking. If you want to read about other Bordeaux wine producers: Links to all Bordeaux Wine Producer Profiles

Chateau Calon Segur History, Overview

Historic records show that Calon Segur was in existence as far back as 1147 when it was owned by Monseigneur de Calon. He was an important Bishop in the community. This makes Chateau Calon Segur a contender for the oldest property in Saint Estephe. Eventually, the Medoc property came to be owned by Nicolas Alexandre de Segur. As you can see is where the name Calon Segur comes from.

After passing through generations, the estate became the property of the famous Marquis de Segur. de Segur is an important figure in Bordeaux history, not only for his ownership of numerous top Bordeaux estates of the day but (he also owned Lafite and Latour) de Segur is credited with uttering the words that spawned the idea behind the heart-shaped logo of Calon Segur.

Legend has it, de Segur is quoted as saying: “I make my wine at Lafite and Latour, but my heart is in Calon.” That famous saying lives forever on the label of Chateau Calon Segur, where the drawing of a heart is prominently featured on the logo.

Chateau Calon Segur was one of the original three Bordeaux vineyards in Saint Estephe. In 1825 Chateau Montrose was a forest, not yet cultivated with vines belonging to the massive Calon Segur estate.

In fact, Chateau Phelan Segur was also once part of the vast Segur estate. The holdings of the powerful Segur family were so large, that they included not only what later became Chateau Lafite Rothschild, but also Chateau Latour and Chateau Mouton Rothschild!

Chateau Calon Segur, The Modern Age

The first part of the modern era for Chateau Calon Segur begins in 1894 when its Left Bank vineyards were purchased by Georges Gasqueton and Charles Hanappier. Hanappier was a large negociant at the time. The Gasqueton family managed the estate until 2012.

Most recently, the figurehead of Calon Segur was the charming, albeit eccentric, and occasionally stern, Madame Denise Gasqueton. Madame Gasqueton ran the estate while marching to the beat of her own drummer until she passed away at the age of 87 in late September 2011.

The following year, in July 2012, Chateau Calon Segur was sold for 170 million Euros, which at the current exchange rate, comes close to 215 million dollars. The buyer is the large French Insurance Company, Suravenir Insurance. Jean-Pierre Moueix, the owner of Petrus and the massive negociant company Duclot, took a minority stake in Chateau Calon Segur.

calon-segur-stone-300x200

Since the new owners took over Calon Segur, they started a serious program of renovating the property with a focus on the wine-making facilities. Following the trend to vinify on a parcel-by-parcel basis, the estate replaced their older vats with new, stainless steel tanks that vary in size and number to match all the various parcels in the large vineyard.

The new tanks accompany a completely new vat room as well with everything moving completely by gravity. The new tasting room features a skylight giving it a more spacious feel, along with much better light. The renovations were completed in 2016.

More than work in the cellars was needed here. Immediately after the sale was closed, the new owners began extensive replanting of the Calon Segur vineyard. There are numerous reasons the new owners chose to do this. They needed to increase the level of vine density and add more Cabernet Sauvignon in the vineyard.

The extensive renovation of Chateau Calon Segur is expected to cost at least 20 Million Euros. One of the other changes that took place when the new owners took control was bringing in Vincent Millet as the Technical Director.

In September 2020, the owners of Calon Segur added to their portfolio of vineyards with the purchase of 3 properties they purchased from the owners of Chateau Latour: Chateau Vray Croix de Gay, Pomerol, Chateau Siaurac, which is located in the Lalande de Pomerol appellation and Chateau Le Prieure in St. Emilion.

Chateau Calon Segur Vineyards, Grapes, Terroir, Winemaking

The large, 55-hectare St. Estephe Bordeaux vineyard of Calon Segur is planted to 53% Cabernet Sauvignon 38% Merlot 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. This shows a slight change, with a small reduction in the Cabernet Sauvignon and an increase in the Merlot.

The goal of the new owners of Calon Segur is to decrease the percentage of the Merlot, reducing it to only 20% of the vineyard and adding more Cabernet Sauvignon vines in their place. Historically speaking, this is similar to how the vineyard was planted in previous generations.

The vine density varies, but it is not as full as most vineyards in the Medoc. In fact, as many as 20 hectares were in such poor condition when the property was sold in 2012, they were planted to as low as 5,900 vines per hectare.

The average vine density is close to 8,000 vines per hectare today, the plan is to increase the vine density in all the plots to 10,000 plants per hectare.

Chateau Calon Segur is one of the few walled vineyards in the Left Bank. Calon Segur is also known as the northernmost Classified Growth in the Medoc. However, it’s interesting to note that the estate has two small parcels of vines that are located just outside their walled-in vineyards.

Those parcels are used for the Grand Vin. Much of the vineyard has a view of the Gironde, which adds to their micro-climate.

The vineyard is just north of the small village of Saint Estephe. While there are slopes found here, they are slight, ranging from 2 meters up to 23 meters. The peak elevation is close to the small chapel on the property, just east of the chateau.

The vineyard is divided into 3 large blocks, each of which has small hills and slopes. The smallest block is due south of the 2 main vineyards. The 3 main blocks can be further divided into 60 different parcels. The best terroir is placed to the east, close to the chapel, with views of the Gironde.

The terroir of Calon Segur is a blend of gravel, rocks, clay, sand, and limestone soils on the surface with gravel that can go as deep as 5 meters. Underneath, you find marl, clay, and limestone. The clay is unique to Calon Segur as here you find a mix of blue clay, yellow clay, and dark black clay. On average, the vines are 25 years of age. However, you can expect that to change as the vineyard ages.

The young age is due to the replanting program. However, they have old vines, placed close to the small chapel, which range from 45-60 years of age.

The vineyard of Chateau Calon Segur remains almost exactly the same as it did at the time of the 1855 Classification. While the vineyard is large at 55 hectares, most of the time, only 50 hectares of vines are planted. This allows time for the soils to remain fallow and become revitalized.

Because the vineyard is situated in the northernmost part of the St. Estephe appellation, quite often, Chateau Calon Segur can have one of the coolest terroirs in the northern Medoc. Thus, they can be one of the last properties to finish harvesting, depending on the vintage.

Chateau Calon Segur is also one of the most difficult estates to find as there are no signs to lead the way. Trust me on this one, as I got lost the first few times I visited the property. The previous owner was not fond of visitors.

Making the Wine of Calon Segur

To produce the wine of Chateau Calon Segur today, vinification takes place in a gleaming new, facility that was completed in 2016, after a multi-year, top to bottom renovation. Now, the fermentation takes place in 70 conical-shaped, stainless steel tanks that range in size from 25 hectoliters to 120 hectoliters allowing for very precise, parcel-by-parcel vinification.

Prior to the new owners taking over the estate in 2012, the wine was aged in up to 50% new, French oak barrels for between 12 to 18 months before bottling.

Today, the best vintages are now aged in 90% to 100% new, French oak barrels for up to 20 months in an effort to soften the wine while also adding more layers of richness to the texture. Previously, the percentage of new oak was closer to 60%, on average.

Production of Chateau Calon Segur is on average, close to 20,000 cases of wine per year. There is a second wine, which was previously named Marquis de Calon. Since the 2012 vintage, the second wine is sold under the name of Le Marquis de Calon Segur.

There is also a third wine, which was previously sold under 2 names, La Chapelle de Calon, and St. Estephe de Calon Segur. Today, the third wine is now marketed as C de Calon Segur. The vines used for C de Calon Segur for the most part are from specific parcels with a higher percentage of limestone in the soil and young vines.

In addition, the owners, Suravenir Insurance also control another estate, a cru bourgeois property, which is also located in the St. Estephe appellation, Chateau Capbern Gasqueton, which has been renamed, Chateau Capbern.

The best vintages of Calon Segur are: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2010, 2009, 2005, 2003, 2000, 1990, 1982, 1953, 1949, 1947, 1945, 1929 and 1928. As you can see by all the older vintages on my list, the wine of Chateau Calon Segur evolves and ages extremely well. However, it is the vintages starting with 2014 forward that are clearly the most exciting in the history of the estate.

Chateau Calon Segur is a powerful, tannic wine that in the best vintages requires more than a decade, and often 2 decades to soften and come together. While there are numerous older vintages that are sublime, the best wine produced in the history of the estate is probably 2016! It is absolutely stunning in every sense of the word.

Style and Character of Calon Segur Wine

The style of Calon Segur wine until the new owners took over was masculine, sturdy, tannic, structured, and traditional in its textures with a lean toward a brawny style of St. Estephe wine that often took more than a decade or two, or longer to become civilized.

Starting with the 2014 vintage, the wines have taken on a new style. Under the direction of Laurent Dufau, the wines of Calon Segur and Capbern Gasqueton are softer, lusher, riper, more forward, and refined in their approach with a better purity of fruit that in my view, is dramatically better.

When to Drink Chateau Calon Segur, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Chateau Calon Segur needs time before it begins to show its true character. Calon Segur needs at least 10-15 years of aging in good vintages until it is ready to be enjoyed. Young vintages can be decanted for 2-4 hours or more. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume.

Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment. Chateau Calon Segur offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 15-50 years of age after the vintage.

Serving Chateau Calon Segur with the Best Wine, Food, Pairing Tips

Chateau Calon Segur is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift. Chateau Calon Segur is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, stewed, and grilled dishes.

Chateau Calon Segur is also good when served with Asian dishes, hearty seafood, or fish like tuna, mushrooms, pasta, and cheese.

www.calon-segur.fr

Château Calon-Ségur Wine Tasting Notes

45 Vintages 538,550 Views Sort by Vintage-Rating

2022
98
Inky dark in color, the wine pops with crème de cassis, blackberries, smoke, lead pencil, 5 spice, and flowers in the aromatics. The wine explodes with endless waves of cassis, peppery blackberries, Asian spice, espresso, and dark chocolate on the palate. Everything is in place here. The wine coats your teeth, palate, and gums with fruit, and freshness that sings. The seamless finish is made even better with a refreshing hit of chocolate mint at the end. The wine builds, and expands in the finish as it crosses the 60 second mark. The wine blends 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 5% Cabernet franc and 1% Petit Verdot. 15% ABV, 3.8 pH. The harvest took place September 6 - September 27. The is the earliest harvest in the history of the property. Yields were 26 hectoliters per hectare. Only 53% of harvest was placed into the Grand Vin. The wine is aging in 100% new, French oak barrels for 20 months before bottling. Drink from 2028-2060. 97-99 Pts.

Inky dark in color, the wine pops with crème de cassis, blackberries, smoke, lead pencil, 5 spice, and flowers in the aromatics. The wine explodes with endless waves of cassis, peppery blackberries, Asian spice, espresso, and dark chocolate on the palate. Everything is in place here. The wine coats your teeth, palate, and gums with fruit, and freshness that sings. The seamless finish is made even better with a refreshing hit of chocolate mint at the end. The wine builds, and expands in the finish as it crosses the 60 second mark. The wine blends 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 5% Cabernet franc and 1% Petit Verdot. 15% ABV, 3.8 pH. The harvest took place September 6 - September 27. The is the earliest harvest in the history of the property. Yields were 26 hectoliters per hectare. Only 53% of harvest was placed into the Grand Vin. The wine is aging in 100% new, French oak barrels for 20 months before bottling. Drink from 2028-2060. 97-99 Pts.

2,643 Views   Tasted
2022
93
Spearmint, cigar wrapper, black pit fruits, and licorice show in the nose. On the palate, the wine is sweet, fresh, and chalky with loads of currants, and a touch of licorice in the fruit-packed finish. The wine is a blend of 58% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. 15% ABV, 3.65 pH. Drink from 2025-2040. 92-94 Pts.

Spearmint, cigar wrapper, black pit fruits, and licorice show in the nose. On the palate, the wine is sweet, fresh, and chalky with loads of currants, and a touch of licorice in the fruit-packed finish. The wine is a blend of 58% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. 15% ABV, 3.65 pH. Drink from 2025-2040. 92-94 Pts.

3,629 Views   Tasted
2021
94
This is an elegant, energetic, vibrant, lifted, almost high-toned, refined vintage here. The fruit expresses purity, lift, and refinement, meshed with classicism. The perfume intrigues you to know more with its flowers, tobacco leaf, cherries, spicy currants, espresso, and orange profile. The medium-bodied wine is forward, and should be approachable with just a few years of aging, which is a good thing, as this is already quite charming. The finish delivers a nice, spicy, minty, uplifted endnote. The wine was produced from 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2026-2055.

This is an elegant, energetic, vibrant, lifted, almost high-toned, refined vintage here. The fruit expresses purity, lift, and refinement, meshed with classicism. The perfume intrigues you to know more with its flowers, tobacco leaf, cherries, spicy currants, espresso, and orange profile. The medium-bodied wine is forward, and should be approachable with just a few years of aging, which is a good thing, as this is already quite charming. The finish delivers a nice, spicy, minty, uplifted endnote. The wine was produced from 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2026-2055.

420 Views   Tasted
Dark garnet in color, tobacco leaf, spicy currants, dried flowers, and blackberries are found on the nose. Medium-bodied, fresh, vibrant and lifted, the fruit is on the elegant, classic side with good sweetness and should be relatively precocious. The finish delivers a nice, spicy, minty, uplifted endnote. The wine was produced from 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, 12.9% ABV, 3.65 pH. The harvest took place September 28, finishing October 13. Drink from 2025-2047. 94-96

Dark garnet in color, tobacco leaf, spicy currants, dried flowers, and blackberries are found on the nose. Medium-bodied, fresh, vibrant and lifted, the fruit is on the elegant, classic side with good sweetness and should be relatively precocious. The finish delivers a nice, spicy, minty, uplifted endnote. The wine was produced from 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, 12.9% ABV, 3.65 pH. The harvest took place September 28, finishing October 13. Drink from 2025-2047. 94-96

3,154 Views   Tasted
2021
91
Black cherries, licorice, spice, and smoky mint aromas hit the perfume. The wine is medium-bodied, soft, vibrant, fresh, and energetic with a savory, earthy, herbal-edged cherry tone that stays with you from the mid-palate through to the finish. This will be easy to enjoy on release, and for over the next decade. The wine is a blend of 58% Merlot and 42% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink from 2024-2035.

Black cherries, licorice, spice, and smoky mint aromas hit the perfume. The wine is medium-bodied, soft, vibrant, fresh, and energetic with a savory, earthy, herbal-edged cherry tone that stays with you from the mid-palate through to the finish. This will be easy to enjoy on release, and for over the next decade. The wine is a blend of 58% Merlot and 42% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink from 2024-2035.

262 Views   Tasted
Spicy black raspberries, thyme and cherry aromatics start off the wine. Medium-bodied, fresh, soft, silky and already seemingly drinkable, this should be easy to enjoy on release, with its soft, cherry, spice, mint and plum finish. Drink from 2023-2034. The wine is a blend of 58% Merlot and 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.2% ABV. Drink from 2023-2034. 89-91

Spicy black raspberries, thyme and cherry aromatics start off the wine. Medium-bodied, fresh, soft, silky and already seemingly drinkable, this should be easy to enjoy on release, with its soft, cherry, spice, mint and plum finish. Drink from 2023-2034. The wine is a blend of 58% Merlot and 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.2% ABV. Drink from 2023-2034. 89-91

2,428 Views   Tasted
2020
98
Powerful, rich, deep, long, and packed with layers of dark, red, and black fruits, Asian spice, boysenberry, black currants, cedar, licorice, cocoa, tobacco leaf, lead pencil, and a refreshing hint of mint in the nose. The wine offers intensity, depth of flavor, power, ripe tannins, vibrance, blackberry, and a currant lingering finish with nuances of spice, chocolate, and creme de cassis on the back end. Give it a few years in the cellar, and enjoy it for up to 3 decades after that. Drink from 2026-2055.

Powerful, rich, deep, long, and packed with layers of dark, red, and black fruits, Asian spice, boysenberry, black currants, cedar, licorice, cocoa, tobacco leaf, lead pencil, and a refreshing hint of mint in the nose. The wine offers intensity, depth of flavor, power, ripe tannins, vibrance, blackberry, and a currant lingering finish with nuances of spice, chocolate, and creme de cassis on the back end. Give it a few years in the cellar, and enjoy it for up to 3 decades after that. Drink from 2026-2055.

4,657 Views   Tasted
If you are not familiar with everything going on with Calon Segur these days, you need to taste this wine. Deeply colored, without hesitation the wine shoots from the glass with Asian spice, boysenberry, black currants, cedar, cigar box, tobacco leaf, lead pencil and forest leaf. Full-bodied, concentrated, powerful and rich, yet it is also balanced, refined, and intense. There is purity in the fruits, freshness and symmetry, ending with seamless waves of perfectly ripe, creme de cassis. Let this rest for at least a decade and enjoy for 3 or more decades after that. The wine blends 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. 13.8% ABV. 96-98 Pts

If you are not familiar with everything going on with Calon Segur these days, you need to taste this wine. Deeply colored, without hesitation the wine shoots from the glass with Asian spice, boysenberry, black currants, cedar, cigar box, tobacco leaf, lead pencil and forest leaf. Full-bodied, concentrated, powerful and rich, yet it is also balanced, refined, and intense. There is purity in the fruits, freshness and symmetry, ending with seamless waves of perfectly ripe, creme de cassis. Let this rest for at least a decade and enjoy for 3 or more decades after that. The wine blends 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. 13.8% ABV. 96-98 Pts

12,514 Views   Tasted
2020
93
This baby Calon Segur, with all of its spice, leafy tobacco, currants and herbs is already hitting the spot. Medium-bodied, vibrant and fresh with layers of sweet, ripe, red pit fruits and a touch of spicy cocoa is perfect to enjoy while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. Drink from 2023-2040.

This baby Calon Segur, with all of its spice, leafy tobacco, currants and herbs is already hitting the spot. Medium-bodied, vibrant and fresh with layers of sweet, ripe, red pit fruits and a touch of spicy cocoa is perfect to enjoy while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. Drink from 2023-2040.

3,018 Views   Tasted
Sweet, robust, fleshy and chewy, there is a cool, spicy quality to the fruit with a savory character on the nose and palate. The wine ends with loads of juicy, chewy, firm fruits. This baby Calon Segur is perfect to enjoy while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. As good as it is, let it age for 3-5 years before pulling a cork and it will be even better 92-94 Pts

Sweet, robust, fleshy and chewy, there is a cool, spicy quality to the fruit with a savory character on the nose and palate. The wine ends with loads of juicy, chewy, firm fruits. This baby Calon Segur is perfect to enjoy while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. As good as it is, let it age for 3-5 years before pulling a cork and it will be even better 92-94 Pts

5,727 Views   Tasted
2019
98
Power, purity, complexity, and richness combine to produce stunning levels of intensity, length, and freshness. The depth of fruit here is almost off the charts. Almost opaque in color, the wine is all about its display of spices, blackberries, black plums, black currants, mint, espresso, and tobacco leaf character. Perfectly balanced, poised, and rich, the tannins are polished and refined, making this beauty effortless to drink. This is a very textural wine that is clearly one of the stars of the vintage. Drink from 2030-2060.

Power, purity, complexity, and richness combine to produce stunning levels of intensity, length, and freshness. The depth of fruit here is almost off the charts. Almost opaque in color, the wine is all about its display of spices, blackberries, black plums, black currants, mint, espresso, and tobacco leaf character. Perfectly balanced, poised, and rich, the tannins are polished and refined, making this beauty effortless to drink. This is a very textural wine that is clearly one of the stars of the vintage. Drink from 2030-2060.

8,255 Views   Tasted
Dark in color, not quite opaque, but close to it. The wine sports Asian spices, cedar, mint, charcoal, blackberry and espresso in the nose. On the palate, the wine is opulent, bordering on decadent, silky, velvety and rich. The fruit glides over your palate displaying its purity with back notes of chocolate, black cherry, tobacco and herbs. This is a very textural wine that is clearly one of the stars of the vintage. The wine was made from blending 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, reaching 14.5% ABV, which is a good thing so all my American friends can buy this beauty! 96-98 Pts

Dark in color, not quite opaque, but close to it. The wine sports Asian spices, cedar, mint, charcoal, blackberry and espresso in the nose. On the palate, the wine is opulent, bordering on decadent, silky, velvety and rich. The fruit glides over your palate displaying its purity with back notes of chocolate, black cherry, tobacco and herbs. This is a very textural wine that is clearly one of the stars of the vintage. The wine was made from blending 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, reaching 14.5% ABV, which is a good thing so all my American friends can buy this beauty! 96-98 Pts

20,210 Views   Tasted
2019
93
Deep in color, here you find flowers, blackberry, cassis and spice notes to get things started. Round, polished, rich and lush, the wine is packed with layers of ripe, dark, opulent fruits that already tastes and feels just great. This is so good, it is hard to believe it is a second wine. Enjoy it while waiting for the Grand Vin to mature. Drink from 2023-2037.

Deep in color, here you find flowers, blackberry, cassis and spice notes to get things started. Round, polished, rich and lush, the wine is packed with layers of ripe, dark, opulent fruits that already tastes and feels just great. This is so good, it is hard to believe it is a second wine. Enjoy it while waiting for the Grand Vin to mature. Drink from 2023-2037.

3,232 Views   Tasted
Deep in color, the wine already expresses blackberry, cassis, spice, cigar wrapper and cedar. Polished, lush and rich, with a beautiful elegance to the fruit, the wine tastes and feels just great, with all its layers of fruit and ripe, slightly dusty tannins. You drink this young, while waiting for the Grand Vin to come around. The wine was made from blending 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, reaching 15.1% ABV. 91-93 Pts

Deep in color, the wine already expresses blackberry, cassis, spice, cigar wrapper and cedar. Polished, lush and rich, with a beautiful elegance to the fruit, the wine tastes and feels just great, with all its layers of fruit and ripe, slightly dusty tannins. You drink this young, while waiting for the Grand Vin to come around. The wine was made from blending 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, reaching 15.1% ABV. 91-93 Pts

6,942 Views   Tasted
2018
98
Deeply colored, everything here is intense starting with the perfume. The nose rocks with its espresso, boysenberry, blackberry, spice, tobacco leaf, thyme and cocoa. Full-bodied, powerful, dense and intense, the wine lingers for over 50 seconds on your palate, which is a good thing, because you want to hold on to all those, creamy, opulent, voluptuous, ripe, sweet, pure fruits for as long as possible. The wine was produced from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, 14.9% ABV, with no touch of heat.

Deeply colored, everything here is intense starting with the perfume. The nose rocks with its espresso, boysenberry, blackberry, spice, tobacco leaf, thyme and cocoa. Full-bodied, powerful, dense and intense, the wine lingers for over 50 seconds on your palate, which is a good thing, because you want to hold on to all those, creamy, opulent, voluptuous, ripe, sweet, pure fruits for as long as possible. The wine was produced from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, 14.9% ABV, with no touch of heat.

10,749 Views   Tasted
Dark, inky with deep purple accents, the wine is dense, concentrated, full bodied, fleshy and powerful. The fruit shows lift, sweetness and purity. Even though the wine is quite high in ABV, you never sense it. There is no heat or jammy aromatics. Instead your palate is ensconced in waves of ripe, intensely pure, spicy, red pit fruits. The wine was produced from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, reaching 14.9% ABV with a pH of 3.75. The harvest took place September 19-October 8. The Grand Vin was made from 40% of the harvest. 97-99 Pts

Dark, inky with deep purple accents, the wine is dense, concentrated, full bodied, fleshy and powerful. The fruit shows lift, sweetness and purity. Even though the wine is quite high in ABV, you never sense it. There is no heat or jammy aromatics. Instead your palate is ensconced in waves of ripe, intensely pure, spicy, red pit fruits. The wine was produced from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, reaching 14.9% ABV with a pH of 3.75. The harvest took place September 19-October 8. The Grand Vin was made from 40% of the harvest. 97-99 Pts

10,571 Views   Tasted
2018
93
Much better in bottle than in barrel, it is hard to believe this is a second wine. The spice, smoke, tobacco leaf and red fruit nose pops with ease. But it is the palate that steals the show with all its supple, lush, fresh, juicy, vibrant, pure red fruits. The wine blends 53% Merlot and 47% Cabernet Sauvignon is Classified Growth in quality.

Much better in bottle than in barrel, it is hard to believe this is a second wine. The spice, smoke, tobacco leaf and red fruit nose pops with ease. But it is the palate that steals the show with all its supple, lush, fresh, juicy, vibrant, pure red fruits. The wine blends 53% Merlot and 47% Cabernet Sauvignon is Classified Growth in quality.

4,015 Views   Tasted
With a spicy, leafy, ripe, juicy, fresh, medium-bodied character, this blend of 53% Merlot and 47% Cabernet Sauvignon is a delicious, early drinking, cherry-filled gem of a wine. Drink this young, while waiting for its big brother to develop. 90-92 Pts

With a spicy, leafy, ripe, juicy, fresh, medium-bodied character, this blend of 53% Merlot and 47% Cabernet Sauvignon is a delicious, early drinking, cherry-filled gem of a wine. Drink this young, while waiting for its big brother to develop. 90-92 Pts

6,471 Views   Tasted
2017
95
Dark blackberries, and fresh, red fruits bend together perfectly with all the spice, tobacco, espresso bean, and smoke nuances in the nose. Medium-bodied, vibrant, elegant, energetic, and showing a cool, touch of mint on the palate, this is going to be even better in a few years, though it can be enjoyed in its youth. Drink from 2024-2045.

Dark blackberries, and fresh, red fruits bend together perfectly with all the spice, tobacco, espresso bean, and smoke nuances in the nose. Medium-bodied, vibrant, elegant, energetic, and showing a cool, touch of mint on the palate, this is going to be even better in a few years, though it can be enjoyed in its youth. Drink from 2024-2045.

2,805 Views   Tasted
Spicy, sweet, fresh, earthy, red fruits, soft tannins and a sassy attitude create this wine’s demeanor. There is density with strong, chewy tannins. The finish is polished, rich and energetic, delivering a blackberry Asian zing, licorice and a dark cocoa endnote. It will take time -- at least a decade -- before this nonconformist is civilized. The wine was produced from 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, reaching 13.2% ABV with a pH of 3.70. The harvest took place September 15 to September 29.

Spicy, sweet, fresh, earthy, red fruits, soft tannins and a sassy attitude create this wine’s demeanor. There is density with strong, chewy tannins. The finish is polished, rich and energetic, delivering a blackberry Asian zing, licorice and a dark cocoa endnote. It will take time -- at least a decade -- before this nonconformist is civilized. The wine was produced from 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, reaching 13.2% ABV with a pH of 3.70. The harvest took place September 15 to September 29.

6,820 Views   Tasted
2016
98
The attention-seeking nose, with its cigar box, tobacco wrapper, cedar, lead pencil, black currant, and smoke hits the right notes. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, bright, fresh, and energetic with soft, ripe, present tannins, freshness, length, and a gorgeous creaminess to the layers of deep, black, peppery fruits. This is going to age and develop well for decades. Give it a few more years for additional secondary development and it will be even better! Drink from 2027-2060.

The attention-seeking nose, with its cigar box, tobacco wrapper, cedar, lead pencil, black currant, and smoke hits the right notes. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, bright, fresh, and energetic with soft, ripe, present tannins, freshness, length, and a gorgeous creaminess to the layers of deep, black, peppery fruits. This is going to age and develop well for decades. Give it a few more years for additional secondary development and it will be even better! Drink from 2027-2060.

11,565 Views   Tasted
The first thing you notice is the high-quality Cuban cigar notes that are quickly followed by earthy, fresh, powerful, sweet, pure, dense black fruits. Combining power, purity, refinement and lift is not an easy thing to do, but that is what you find in the 2016. This is a very exciting wine that you should be tasting, before prices catch up to its quality.

The first thing you notice is the high-quality Cuban cigar notes that are quickly followed by earthy, fresh, powerful, sweet, pure, dense black fruits. Combining power, purity, refinement and lift is not an easy thing to do, but that is what you find in the 2016. This is a very exciting wine that you should be tasting, before prices catch up to its quality.

12,078 Views   Tasted
Heart-stoppingly good in every way. Rich, dense, powerful, concentrated, polished, long and complex, the fruits just keep on coming in the non-stop finish. Seamless from start to finish, there is beautiful purity of exotic spicy fruit that leaves a real impression. This will take 15-20 years to show its best, but if you are young enough, it's going to be worth the way. Clearly, this is the best wine ever produced from Calon Segur.

Heart-stoppingly good in every way. Rich, dense, powerful, concentrated, polished, long and complex, the fruits just keep on coming in the non-stop finish. Seamless from start to finish, there is beautiful purity of exotic spicy fruit that leaves a real impression. This will take 15-20 years to show its best, but if you are young enough, it's going to be worth the way. Clearly, this is the best wine ever produced from Calon Segur.

16,632 Views   Tasted
Incredibly dense with a beautiful sensation of forbidden fruit in the nose and on the mouth. There is weight, balance, freshness and complexity, imparting perfectly ripe, dark red, pit fruits and minerality is what this beauty does best. The wine was produced from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, reaching 14% ABV with a pH of 3.75. The harvest took place from September 20 to October 25.

Incredibly dense with a beautiful sensation of forbidden fruit in the nose and on the mouth. There is weight, balance, freshness and complexity, imparting perfectly ripe, dark red, pit fruits and minerality is what this beauty does best. The wine was produced from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, reaching 14% ABV with a pH of 3.75. The harvest took place from September 20 to October 25.

11,095 Views   Tasted
2016
91
Smoky, dark red berries and spice create the perfume. On the palate, the wine has delectable dark fruits, supple textures, forward style and scrumptiousness to the fruits in the finish.

Smoky, dark red berries and spice create the perfume. On the palate, the wine has delectable dark fruits, supple textures, forward style and scrumptiousness to the fruits in the finish.

5,531 Views   Tasted
2015
94
The past few years have added a lot of complexity and richness to this wine. Now you find some development with nuances of tobacco leaf, cigar box, mint, plums, blackberries, and currants. On the palate, the wine is opulent, lush, round, and polished with a showy, attention-seeking character, finishing with creamy tannins, freshness, and layers of sweet, ripe, lush, Asian spiced fruits. Give it a few more years for additional secondary development and it will be even better! Drink from 2026-2055.

The past few years have added a lot of complexity and richness to this wine. Now you find some development with nuances of tobacco leaf, cigar box, mint, plums, blackberries, and currants. On the palate, the wine is opulent, lush, round, and polished with a showy, attention-seeking character, finishing with creamy tannins, freshness, and layers of sweet, ripe, lush, Asian spiced fruits. Give it a few more years for additional secondary development and it will be even better! Drink from 2026-2055.

3,892 Views   Tasted
Starting to close in at the moment, you can still catch a glimpse of the bright, crisp red fruits before it goes to sleep. The wine has sweet fruits, ripe tannins and length, but perhaps it lacks some weight on the mid palate.

Starting to close in at the moment, you can still catch a glimpse of the bright, crisp red fruits before it goes to sleep. The wine has sweet fruits, ripe tannins and length, but perhaps it lacks some weight on the mid palate.

6,083 Views   Tasted
Bright, fresh, crisp and classic with flavors that shift from cassis to cranberry, raspberry and back again, giving you a wine with a slightly strict and spicy profile. Produced from a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, this wine reached 13.3% ABV with a pH of 3.75. The blend includes a surprisingly high 22% of press wine, which was added to bring more tannin and backbone to the wine. And then there were three. Keep your eye on Calon Segur. With their spare no sense attitude, they are striving to make it a three way contest as to which estate is making the best wine in the St. Estephe appellation today. 90 - 92 Pts

Bright, fresh, crisp and classic with flavors that shift from cassis to cranberry, raspberry and back again, giving you a wine with a slightly strict and spicy profile. Produced from a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, this wine reached 13.3% ABV with a pH of 3.75. The blend includes a surprisingly high 22% of press wine, which was added to bring more tannin and backbone to the wine. And then there were three. Keep your eye on Calon Segur. With their spare no sense attitude, they are striving to make it a three way contest as to which estate is making the best wine in the St. Estephe appellation today. 90 - 92 Pts

10,098 Views   Tasted
2015
90
Medium bodied, with a sweet, earthy, leaf and cherry filled character, you can drink this young, while waiting for the Grand Vin to come around.

Medium bodied, with a sweet, earthy, leaf and cherry filled character, you can drink this young, while waiting for the Grand Vin to come around.

4,719 Views   Tasted
2014
95
Full-bodied, rich, spicy, intense, long, and captivating, the wine grabs you with its spicy fruits, cedar, tobacco leaf, red plums, blackberry, and floral nuances. Still youthful, yet approachable due to its structure and softness in the tannins, you can enjoy this now, if you like more primary notes, or age it as it is going to develop complexities over the years. The wine blends 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2025-2050.

Full-bodied, rich, spicy, intense, long, and captivating, the wine grabs you with its spicy fruits, cedar, tobacco leaf, red plums, blackberry, and floral nuances. Still youthful, yet approachable due to its structure and softness in the tannins, you can enjoy this now, if you like more primary notes, or age it as it is going to develop complexities over the years. The wine blends 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2025-2050.

6,239 Views   Tasted
Fans of the older, strict-style wine previously produced at this estate might be scratching their heads but I loved it! It is a rich, dense, fat and well-dressed grande dame of a wine with layers of sweet, ripe, juicy black fruits, supple, polished tannins and outstanding concentration. The plum-filled finish is long and clean, fresh, round and sweet. Produced from a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13.8% ABV with a pH of 3.70. Laurent Dufau has clearly upped the ante in the competition for the best wine in the appellation and the best is yet to come! 93-95 Pts

Fans of the older, strict-style wine previously produced at this estate might be scratching their heads but I loved it! It is a rich, dense, fat and well-dressed grande dame of a wine with layers of sweet, ripe, juicy black fruits, supple, polished tannins and outstanding concentration. The plum-filled finish is long and clean, fresh, round and sweet. Produced from a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13.8% ABV with a pH of 3.70. Laurent Dufau has clearly upped the ante in the competition for the best wine in the appellation and the best is yet to come! 93-95 Pts

8,536 Views   Tasted
2014
90
A few of age has really added a lot to this wine. Just great right out of the bottle, the wine is round, soft, fruity, fresh and earthy with a nice, smaller resemblance to the Grand Vin. This is a fine introduction into what's going on with Calon Segur these days.

A few of age has really added a lot to this wine. Just great right out of the bottle, the wine is round, soft, fruity, fresh and earthy with a nice, smaller resemblance to the Grand Vin. This is a fine introduction into what's going on with Calon Segur these days.

3,551 Views   Tasted
Fruity, fresh and approachable, this wine was produced from 64% Merlot and 36% Cabernet Sauvignon. Its sweet blackberry profile conceals the 14.7% ABV. It should be fun to drink on release. 86-88 Pts

Fruity, fresh and approachable, this wine was produced from 64% Merlot and 36% Cabernet Sauvignon. Its sweet blackberry profile conceals the 14.7% ABV. It should be fun to drink on release. 86-88 Pts

4,375 Views   Tasted
2013
90
Fresh, crisp, red fruits thyme and tobacco in character. The wine is sharp, and fresh, with bright red, crisp, fruits and tobacco from start to finish.

Fresh, crisp, red fruits thyme and tobacco in character. The wine is sharp, and fresh, with bright red, crisp, fruits and tobacco from start to finish.

7,452 Views   Tasted
The wine delivers, spice, black raspberry and forest leaf aromas with a crisp raspberry and cherry filled, medium bodied, clean, fresh finish. There is a true sense of polish to the tannins. Blending 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13.1% ABV. Thus, representing the lowest yields in years at 36 hectoliters per hectare. The Grand Vin was produced by only using 33% of the crop and is aging in 100% new, French oak. The new owners are quickly improving things at this venerable estate, starting with the 2013 vintage. 90-92 Pts

The wine delivers, spice, black raspberry and forest leaf aromas with a crisp raspberry and cherry filled, medium bodied, clean, fresh finish. There is a true sense of polish to the tannins. Blending 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13.1% ABV. Thus, representing the lowest yields in years at 36 hectoliters per hectare. The Grand Vin was produced by only using 33% of the crop and is aging in 100% new, French oak. The new owners are quickly improving things at this venerable estate, starting with the 2013 vintage. 90-92 Pts

3,470 Views   Tasted
2012
90
Cedar, tobacco, earth and truffle scents work well with the crisp, blackberry. Classic in style, there is a cranberry edge that shows with the firm tannins on the palate in the finish.

Cedar, tobacco, earth and truffle scents work well with the crisp, blackberry. Classic in style, there is a cranberry edge that shows with the firm tannins on the palate in the finish.

5,439 Views   Tasted
The first vintage under the new owners is ruby in color with coffee, blackberry, cassis, spice and earthy notes. It offers bright and fresh fruits with some dryness and tough, rustic tannins in the finish. 87-89 Pts

The first vintage under the new owners is ruby in color with coffee, blackberry, cassis, spice and earthy notes. It offers bright and fresh fruits with some dryness and tough, rustic tannins in the finish. 87-89 Pts

9,294 Views   Tasted
2011
89
Medium bodied, fresh, bright cherries and cassis, with a bright, red berry finish that will drink fine now, and should get a bit better with a few years of age.

Medium bodied, fresh, bright cherries and cassis, with a bright, red berry finish that will drink fine now, and should get a bit better with a few years of age.

5,529 Views   Tasted
From 78% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot, this powerful,classic, tannic, firm, bright, cassis, spice and blackberry filled wine demands a lot of time in the cellar. The wine will be aged in 100% new oak and reached 13.3% ABV. 90-92 Pts

From 78% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot, this powerful,classic, tannic, firm, bright, cassis, spice and blackberry filled wine demands a lot of time in the cellar. The wine will be aged in 100% new oak and reached 13.3% ABV. 90-92 Pts

10,662 Views   Tasted
2010
93
Blending 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot produced a tannic, rich, powerful wine that expresses earth, forest floor, tobacco, blackberry, cassis and spice. Fresh, tannic and balanced, give this 10-15 years to soften, open and develop.

Blending 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot produced a tannic, rich, powerful wine that expresses earth, forest floor, tobacco, blackberry, cassis and spice. Fresh, tannic and balanced, give this 10-15 years to soften, open and develop.

15,620 Views   Tasted
2009
92
Secondary notes of wet earth, tobacco, truffle, spice are just now coming to the surface. A bit firm for the vintage, with some leafy, herbal nuances accompanying the Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine is still young. Give it another decade in the cellar.

Secondary notes of wet earth, tobacco, truffle, spice are just now coming to the surface. A bit firm for the vintage, with some leafy, herbal nuances accompanying the Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine is still young. Give it another decade in the cellar.

5,001 Views   Tasted
Just a few years has added more depth and softness to the wine. The rich, supple textures that are often the signature of the vintage are peeking through. The fruits are ripe, the tannins are polished and the nose is already adding a bit of secondary nuance. Give this until it hits between 12-15 years of age, and it should be even better than expected.

Just a few years has added more depth and softness to the wine. The rich, supple textures that are often the signature of the vintage are peeking through. The fruits are ripe, the tannins are polished and the nose is already adding a bit of secondary nuance. Give this until it hits between 12-15 years of age, and it should be even better than expected.

7,986 Views   Tasted
From a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, the wine is big, broad and tannic. Clearly, there is a lot of fruit and density, but unlike many wines from the vintage, the wine is tight and hard to read in its youth. With effort, you get a sense of its deep coffee, blackberry, earth and spicy black cherry core. However, it's best to let this rest for at least a decade before popping a cork. I love this vintage for St. Estephe. My guess is, when the opens, it will score higher as many of the wines from the appellation are stunning in 2009.

From a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, the wine is big, broad and tannic. Clearly, there is a lot of fruit and density, but unlike many wines from the vintage, the wine is tight and hard to read in its youth. With effort, you get a sense of its deep coffee, blackberry, earth and spicy black cherry core. However, it's best to let this rest for at least a decade before popping a cork. I love this vintage for St. Estephe. My guess is, when the opens, it will score higher as many of the wines from the appellation are stunning in 2009.

10,041 Views   Tasted
2008
90
Even though it is young, you can already sense the tobacco, cedar and wet forest secondary character. The wine is firm, austere and a bit stoic. This has concentration of flavor, as well as a wealth of tannin that needs perhaps 12-15 more years to soften before this is fun to drink.

Even though it is young, you can already sense the tobacco, cedar and wet forest secondary character. The wine is firm, austere and a bit stoic. This has concentration of flavor, as well as a wealth of tannin that needs perhaps 12-15 more years to soften before this is fun to drink.

6,929 Views   Tasted
Medium/full bodied with a spicy, peppery, cedar, cassis and tobacco character. Classic in nature, the finish is quite bright and fresh. This needs at least another decade in the cellar.

Medium/full bodied with a spicy, peppery, cedar, cassis and tobacco character. Classic in nature, the finish is quite bright and fresh. This needs at least another decade in the cellar.

8,704 Views   Tasted
Far too young to be popping a cork on this wine, but there are times when you need to open a wine in the name of science, and this was one of those times. Paired with a rare, grilled Flannery steak, which helped ameliorate the wall of tannins, with a few hours of air, the aromas of dark red fruits, tobacco, Asian spice and minerals emerged. Full bodied, big and powerful, this tannic wine demands at least a decade, and probably more time in the cellar before it softens and hits its sweet spot. The wine was made from a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot.

Far too young to be popping a cork on this wine, but there are times when you need to open a wine in the name of science, and this was one of those times. Paired with a rare, grilled Flannery steak, which helped ameliorate the wall of tannins, with a few hours of air, the aromas of dark red fruits, tobacco, Asian spice and minerals emerged. Full bodied, big and powerful, this tannic wine demands at least a decade, and probably more time in the cellar before it softens and hits its sweet spot. The wine was made from a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot.

5,634 Views   Tasted
2007
86
Austere, rustic and lean, the medium-bodied wine is on the bright red, cranberry side of the style range with strong green accents. I suppose lovers of old-school classics will like this more than I did.

Austere, rustic and lean, the medium-bodied wine is on the bright red, cranberry side of the style range with strong green accents. I suppose lovers of old-school classics will like this more than I did.

3,219 Views   Tasted
2006
90
Tobacco,, cigar box, cassis and tobacco notes create the nose. On the attack, the wine is equally young and strict, with a tannic personality. This requires real patience, so give it at least another decade in the cellar.

Tobacco,, cigar box, cassis and tobacco notes create the nose. On the attack, the wine is equally young and strict, with a tannic personality. This requires real patience, so give it at least another decade in the cellar.

5,500 Views   Tasted
2005
91
Mushroom, truffle, cedar wood, forest floor and spicy cassis are found in the nose. Full bodied, fresh, crisp and tannic, with a stern, masculine edge to its character, the wine demands at least another decade before it is fun to drink. The wine was produced from a blend of 43% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.

Mushroom, truffle, cedar wood, forest floor and spicy cassis are found in the nose. Full bodied, fresh, crisp and tannic, with a stern, masculine edge to its character, the wine demands at least another decade before it is fun to drink. The wine was produced from a blend of 43% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.

7,304 Views   Tasted
Tannic, powerful, dense, tight and structured to age, this needs another decade or two before the wine softens and comes together. With its cassis, spice, earth, blackberry, plum and tobacco character, the wine, produced from a blend of 60% Caberent Sauvignon and 40% Merlot has a lot of potential to improve, if you have the time and patience for long term cellaring.

Tannic, powerful, dense, tight and structured to age, this needs another decade or two before the wine softens and comes together. With its cassis, spice, earth, blackberry, plum and tobacco character, the wine, produced from a blend of 60% Caberent Sauvignon and 40% Merlot has a lot of potential to improve, if you have the time and patience for long term cellaring.

12,393 Views   Tasted
2004
89
Herbal, leaf and cassis and earth aromas, medium bodied, dark red fruits and a dash of bell pepper with some dryness in the finish of this classic styled wine.

Herbal, leaf and cassis and earth aromas, medium bodied, dark red fruits and a dash of bell pepper with some dryness in the finish of this classic styled wine.

5,025 Views   Tasted
Tannic, tough, meaty and masculine, with some, dry, green notes in the cassis and cranberry personality. This will need at least another decade in the bottle, if not more time, before this old school styled wine comes around.

Tannic, tough, meaty and masculine, with some, dry, green notes in the cassis and cranberry personality. This will need at least another decade in the bottle, if not more time, before this old school styled wine comes around.

6,182 Views   Tasted
2003
93
This continues aging and developing in a positive direction, the wine offers its sweet, ripe, spicy, earthy blackberry, tobacco, cigar box and cedar qualities with ease. Full bodied, with round tannins and an expressive finish, time in the cellar will allow this to continue adding more softness and complexities.

This continues aging and developing in a positive direction, the wine offers its sweet, ripe, spicy, earthy blackberry, tobacco, cigar box and cedar qualities with ease. Full bodied, with round tannins and an expressive finish, time in the cellar will allow this to continue adding more softness and complexities.

8,020 Views   Tasted
Like most 2003 from the St. Estephe appellation, this has developed nicely. The tannins have a nice polished feeling to them that coupled with the earthy, tobacco, cassis and dark berry filled personality, it really delivers on the pleasure meter. This is one of the few vintages of Calon Segur that does not require decades of aging.

Like most 2003 from the St. Estephe appellation, this has developed nicely. The tannins have a nice polished feeling to them that coupled with the earthy, tobacco, cassis and dark berry filled personality, it really delivers on the pleasure meter. This is one of the few vintages of Calon Segur that does not require decades of aging.

7,575 Views   Tasted
Another fabulous 2003 St. Estephe Bordeaux wine. From an assemblage of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, the wine popped with fresh cassis, spice, earth, black raspberry and tobacco scents. Rich and opulent in texture, this felt like a Pomerol. This classy Bordeaux wine is still young. Give it at least another decade.

Another fabulous 2003 St. Estephe Bordeaux wine. From an assemblage of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, the wine popped with fresh cassis, spice, earth, black raspberry and tobacco scents. Rich and opulent in texture, this felt like a Pomerol. This classy Bordeaux wine is still young. Give it at least another decade.

19,150 Views   Tasted
2002
89
Better on the nose, with its earthy, tobacco, cedar, forest floor and blackberry aromas than the palate, with its old school, rustic, crisp, tannic character. Produced from a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot.

Better on the nose, with its earthy, tobacco, cedar, forest floor and blackberry aromas than the palate, with its old school, rustic, crisp, tannic character. Produced from a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot.

6,459 Views   Tasted
2001
90
Spicy, red and black fruits, with an edge towards the red fruit side side of the style range, tobacco and earthy notes open to lighter, medium bodied, style of Calon Segur that will deliver pleasure earlier than most vintages from this estate.

Spicy, red and black fruits, with an edge towards the red fruit side side of the style range, tobacco and earthy notes open to lighter, medium bodied, style of Calon Segur that will deliver pleasure earlier than most vintages from this estate.

5,896 Views   Tasted
2000
91
Firm. bright, crisp, and a bit tart offering an earthy, red currant, cranberry, strawberry with plenty of tobacco, cedar, peppery herbs and spice. Years of cellaring has added a lot to this wine, but it is on the stern, old-school, crunchy, classic side of the style range, which some will love, and others will not. Another 5 years of age could help soften the wine.

Firm. bright, crisp, and a bit tart offering an earthy, red currant, cranberry, strawberry with plenty of tobacco, cedar, peppery herbs and spice. Years of cellaring has added a lot to this wine, but it is on the stern, old-school, crunchy, classic side of the style range, which some will love, and others will not. Another 5 years of age could help soften the wine.

6,053 Views   Tasted
This showed a spice, mineral tobacco and earthy nose. But the pleasure stopped there. This full bodied wine was filled with mouth drying tannins along with its brawny, masculine, old school personality.

This showed a spice, mineral tobacco and earthy nose. But the pleasure stopped there. This full bodied wine was filled with mouth drying tannins along with its brawny, masculine, old school personality.

20,221 Views   Tasted
1996
90
Better on the nose, with its secondary tobacco, cedar, underbrush, herb, and bright red berry nose, than on the medium-bodied, firm, lean, tannic, crunchy, crisp palate.

Better on the nose, with its secondary tobacco, cedar, underbrush, herb, and bright red berry nose, than on the medium-bodied, firm, lean, tannic, crunchy, crisp palate.

4,651 Views   Tasted
Notes of tobacco, spice box, cassis, cigar box and leaf, medium bodied, with a fresh, bright, crisp red and black fruit finish. This is developing at a faster pace than I thought, as Calon Segur usually takes decades to come around.

Notes of tobacco, spice box, cassis, cigar box and leaf, medium bodied, with a fresh, bright, crisp red and black fruit finish. This is developing at a faster pace than I thought, as Calon Segur usually takes decades to come around.

9,695 Views   Tasted
1995
91
1995 Calon Segur offered cassis, earth, spice and tobacco aromas. Full bodied, powerful and tannic in style. For a wine from a vintage that is slowly earning the sobriquet of a modern day version of 1975, the wine was already approachable. Still young, this robust, masculine style of St. Estephe will improve over the next several years.

1995 Calon Segur offered cassis, earth, spice and tobacco aromas. Full bodied, powerful and tannic in style. For a wine from a vintage that is slowly earning the sobriquet of a modern day version of 1975, the wine was already approachable. Still young, this robust, masculine style of St. Estephe will improve over the next several years.

15,006 Views   Tasted
1990
91
While not at the level of its 2 rivals in the appellation, this is showing its stuff today. The spicy, earthy, tapenade, leaf, tobacco, cedar, blackberry and cassis nose is the better half here. There is a bright freshness to the dark red fruits, and the continued softening of its stern side that is settling in making this quite nice to drink today.

While not at the level of its 2 rivals in the appellation, this is showing its stuff today. The spicy, earthy, tapenade, leaf, tobacco, cedar, blackberry and cassis nose is the better half here. There is a bright freshness to the dark red fruits, and the continued softening of its stern side that is settling in making this quite nice to drink today.

4,147 Views   Tasted
1989
88
Firm, with a stern edge, a bit of green in the tannins, and a crunchy red berry, peppery, herbal, cedar, and cigar-packed palate, this is a wine from a throwback from a different era that some tasters will like more than I did. Drink from 2022-2032.

Firm, with a stern edge, a bit of green in the tannins, and a crunchy red berry, peppery, herbal, cedar, and cigar-packed palate, this is a wine from a throwback from a different era that some tasters will like more than I did. Drink from 2022-2032.

3,127 Views   Tasted
Definitely starting its slow fade, the wine is a solid example of rustic, old school Bordeaux wine. It has a rusticity to it, with bright red fruits, hints of cranberry, herbs, leaf, tobacco, cedar and green olives. The tannins are dry in the finish. The wine requires drinking.

Definitely starting its slow fade, the wine is a solid example of rustic, old school Bordeaux wine. It has a rusticity to it, with bright red fruits, hints of cranberry, herbs, leaf, tobacco, cedar and green olives. The tannins are dry in the finish. The wine requires drinking.

4,250 Views   Tasted
1986
88
Firm, crisp, meaty, chewy, old-school styled, classic Bordeaux with rustic tannins and cedar, tobacco, and leafy herbs that accents the crunchy red currants. Drink from 2022-2040.

Firm, crisp, meaty, chewy, old-school styled, classic Bordeaux with rustic tannins and cedar, tobacco, and leafy herbs that accents the crunchy red currants. Drink from 2022-2040.

2,351 Views   Tasted
1982
90
Firm, masculine, beefy and tannic, there is a rusticity to the tannins and textures, coupled with a definitive green olive and herbal edge to the wines character that will be more of a turn on those that prefer the days gone by styles of wine. I can like this to some degree, but there is never going to be love found in this wine.

Firm, masculine, beefy and tannic, there is a rusticity to the tannins and textures, coupled with a definitive green olive and herbal edge to the wines character that will be more of a turn on those that prefer the days gone by styles of wine. I can like this to some degree, but there is never going to be love found in this wine.

6,230 Views   Tasted
On the rustic side of the style range. Better on the nose, with its tobacco, cedar chest, gravel and spicy cassis scents, than the palate with its chewy, firm, tannic personality. At 30 years pf age, perhaps this is a look back at how Bordeaux used to be made. It's not a bad wine, it's more a matter of stylistic preference. On the the other hand, if this is your style of wine, it's good for at least another 30 years.

On the rustic side of the style range. Better on the nose, with its tobacco, cedar chest, gravel and spicy cassis scents, than the palate with its chewy, firm, tannic personality. At 30 years pf age, perhaps this is a look back at how Bordeaux used to be made. It's not a bad wine, it's more a matter of stylistic preference. On the the other hand, if this is your style of wine, it's good for at least another 30 years.

6,537 Views   Tasted
When a wine approaches it's 30th birthday, it's an anomaly when it's still young and tannic. Mr. Taster, meet 1982 Calon Segur. Earth, barnyard, tobacco, cassis, spice and cranberry offer a good perfume, along with a semi rustic, masculine personality. But the wine is still tannic and demands at least another 5-10 years before it comes together. I pity the taster buying this as a future. That's a long time to wait.

When a wine approaches it's 30th birthday, it's an anomaly when it's still young and tannic. Mr. Taster, meet 1982 Calon Segur. Earth, barnyard, tobacco, cassis, spice and cranberry offer a good perfume, along with a semi rustic, masculine personality. But the wine is still tannic and demands at least another 5-10 years before it comes together. I pity the taster buying this as a future. That's a long time to wait.

9,316 Views   Tasted
1970
87
Meaty, rustic, firm, and loaded with tobacco, herbs, cigar wrappers, and crisp, red fruits, with a strong dose of mint, this classic-styled, old-school wine is a blast from the past. Drink from 2023-2030.

Meaty, rustic, firm, and loaded with tobacco, herbs, cigar wrappers, and crisp, red fruits, with a strong dose of mint, this classic-styled, old-school wine is a blast from the past. Drink from 2023-2030.

1,557 Views   Tasted
Earth, tobacco, cranberry, spice and perhaps a hint of VA. The wine felt hard and austere on the palate. Drink up.

Earth, tobacco, cranberry, spice and perhaps a hint of VA. The wine felt hard and austere on the palate. Drink up.

4,363 Views   Tasted
1961
92
Loads of great, old-school charm here. The bright red fruits have lift, definition and a crisp, peppered edge. The wine is complicated with nuances of lead pencil, forest floor, cigar box, tobacco, ash and green leafy aromas. The finish lingers with its sweet, ripe, red fruits. Well-stored bottles are worth seeking out.

Loads of great, old-school charm here. The bright red fruits have lift, definition and a crisp, peppered edge. The wine is complicated with nuances of lead pencil, forest floor, cigar box, tobacco, ash and green leafy aromas. The finish lingers with its sweet, ripe, red fruits. Well-stored bottles are worth seeking out.

3,305 Views   Tasted
1959
94
With the patina of age in the texture, coupled with cedar, lead pencil, leather, leafy herbs, tobacco, iron, and crisp red currants, this rosehip tea-colored wine is a sublime treat that does not warrant future cellaring. Pop, pour, and enjoy this classic gem at full maturity. Drink from 2022-2029.

With the patina of age in the texture, coupled with cedar, lead pencil, leather, leafy herbs, tobacco, iron, and crisp red currants, this rosehip tea-colored wine is a sublime treat that does not warrant future cellaring. Pop, pour, and enjoy this classic gem at full maturity. Drink from 2022-2029.

2,325 Views   Tasted
1955
89
Firm, stoic and a bit stern, especially for the vintage, the wine was more interesting on the spicy, cassis, tobacco, cedar and cigar box nose, than on the rustic palate. Perhaps it was just this bottle, as with wines at 60 years of age, anything can happen.

Firm, stoic and a bit stern, especially for the vintage, the wine was more interesting on the spicy, cassis, tobacco, cedar and cigar box nose, than on the rustic palate. Perhaps it was just this bottle, as with wines at 60 years of age, anything can happen.

4,628 Views   Tasted
1953
97
From a magnum, this stunner exploded from the glass the moment it was poured as you would expect for a wine that had been cooped up for 67 years! Here, you find all the cedar chest, forest floor, tobacco leaf, herbs, cigar wrapper, spice and bright red fruit you could hope for. Still concentrated, a bit rustic, and also full, deep and regal, every sniff and sip was just great.

From a magnum, this stunner exploded from the glass the moment it was poured as you would expect for a wine that had been cooped up for 67 years! Here, you find all the cedar chest, forest floor, tobacco leaf, herbs, cigar wrapper, spice and bright red fruit you could hope for. Still concentrated, a bit rustic, and also full, deep and regal, every sniff and sip was just great.

2,565 Views   Tasted
Truffle, smoke, Asian spice, Cuban cigar, earth, cassis, cherry and stone scents are easy to spot. In the mouth, the wine is soft, elegant, and almost exotic. Slightly past fully mature years ago, I imagine this was sublime about a decade ago. Calon Segur is not a wine I have been fond of over the years. After tasting two fully mature examples this year, the 1949 and now the 1953, I need to rethink my opinion on the wine.

Truffle, smoke, Asian spice, Cuban cigar, earth, cassis, cherry and stone scents are easy to spot. In the mouth, the wine is soft, elegant, and almost exotic. Slightly past fully mature years ago, I imagine this was sublime about a decade ago. Calon Segur is not a wine I have been fond of over the years. After tasting two fully mature examples this year, the 1949 and now the 1953, I need to rethink my opinion on the wine.

6,727 Views   Tasted
1949
95
Majestic accurately describes the soaring aromatics chocked full of tobacco, truffle, Asian spice, cigar box, ash, earth, cherry and stone. Refined, soft, round and generous, with a fresh, spicy, pure cherry finish, this was treat. Perhaps the reason I have not followed Calon Segur is, I've never tasted a properly aged example. That situation has now been rectified!

Majestic accurately describes the soaring aromatics chocked full of tobacco, truffle, Asian spice, cigar box, ash, earth, cherry and stone. Refined, soft, round and generous, with a fresh, spicy, pure cherry finish, this was treat. Perhaps the reason I have not followed Calon Segur is, I've never tasted a properly aged example. That situation has now been rectified!

5,346 Views   Tasted
1934
88
It is not often a wine is better on the palate than the nose. But due to a marked VA note, that's what took place here. Opened to celebrate my fathers birthday, once past the nose, the wine was still delivering an earthy, tobacco, forest, herbal, leaf and full-bodied, cherry note on the palate. I was surprised by how much volume and depth remained for a wine that's close to 85 years of age.

It is not often a wine is better on the palate than the nose. But due to a marked VA note, that's what took place here. Opened to celebrate my fathers birthday, once past the nose, the wine was still delivering an earthy, tobacco, forest, herbal, leaf and full-bodied, cherry note on the palate. I was surprised by how much volume and depth remained for a wine that's close to 85 years of age.

2,559 Views   Tasted
1929
91
From a bottle that was recorked and based on the color and relative youth, topped off with some younger vintage, there was a lot to enjoy here, with its cigar, spice, leaf and peppery, bright, red, cassis, cherry and strawberry notes. The texture combined sterness with a round character, finishing with spicy, red fruits.

From a bottle that was recorked and based on the color and relative youth, topped off with some younger vintage, there was a lot to enjoy here, with its cigar, spice, leaf and peppery, bright, red, cassis, cherry and strawberry notes. The texture combined sterness with a round character, finishing with spicy, red fruits.

2,191 Views   Tasted