Château Calon Segur 2021, Saint-Estèphe

Château Calon-Ségur is a well-regarded wine estate located in the commune of Saint-Estèphe, on the left bank of the Gironde estuary in northern Bordeaux. The château was rated as a third growth in the 1855 Classification of the Médoc and Graves and is unique in the Médoc as the vineyards are in one single plot surrounded by tall stone walls. The Grand Vin of Calon Ségur mirrors its terroir. It is rare, authentic and stirs the soul. In the most natural way, it reveals both great delicacy and outstanding intensity. The vineyard hand-picks its grapes off the vine and then grapes are mechanically sorted. The 2021 vintage is seductive and enticing aromas of blackcurrant, cassis, and black raspberry with a delicate perfumed touch. Powerful and compact on the mid-palate with a wonderfully knitted core of further dark black and bramble fruit underpinned by impressive vibrancy and a seamless silky, smooth texture that leads into a lingering, clove, and cinnamon infused finish. Expert Tasting Notes: The 2021 Calon Ségur was cropped at 36hL/ha and aged entirely in new oak for a planned 20 months. This year, the gap between the Grand Vin and the Marquis is blatantly obvious, to the extent that they are practically different wines, which is how Vincent Millet and his team treat them. The Cabernet is firmly in the driving seat here, with detailed, graphite-infused black fruit and a background florality that comes through with aeration. The medium-bodied palate displays very fine tannins, superb acidity (pH 3.65) and impressive harmony. This has exemplary build in the mouth, fine weight on the finish and a persistent aftertaste. An outstanding Calon-Ségur, elevated by the risks taken in de-leafing in June and waiting to pick. Bravo. 12.9% alcohol - Neal Martin, Vinous, 95-97 Points 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc & 1% Petit Verdot