Chateau Calon Segur 2019

This estate continues its quality progress with a vintage that brings out a great richness and a severe and structured side. The blueberry flavours are shot through with tannins contrasting with the wine's succulent fruitiness. As the wine matures, that fruit will shape the wine's future as much as the tannins. This is for the long term.

Another tremendous wine from this estate, the 2019 Château Calon Ségur comes from 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and a tiny splash of Petit Verdot. Brought up all in new French oak, its ruby/purple colour is followed by a ripe, sexy Saint-Estèphe loaded with notions of crème de cassis, black cherries, roasted herbs, lavender, and tobacco leaf. It shows more classic lead pencil and damps earth notes with time in the glass, and it's full-bodied, has a rocking opulence and decadence in its mouthfeel, sweet tannins, and a beautiful finish. This is as sexy and seductive as Saint-Estèphe gets, yet it still has class, with flawless balance, sound structure, and just everything in the right place. It's rare for a young wine to pack so much richness while at the same time staying weightless. Bravo to the team at Calon Ségur yet again.

This is a brilliant Calon Ségur, absolutely one to search out. Dripping with lush brambled fruit, from ripe damsons to sleek blackberries and touches of hedgerow that add unforced juiciness through what is a potent and concentrated wine. The tannins are chewy and very much present, and this has excellent ageing potential ahead of it. 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend.

A racy, refined red with a solid core of ripe fruit and a long, linear finish. Medium-to full-bodied and subtle, yet structured. Turns salty and spicy with some cloves. Builds on the finish.