2014 Calon-Segur (St-Estephe)

Vincent Millet achieved a full house with Capbern, Marquis de Calon and especially Calon Segur. Readers should bear in mind that in 2014, rainfall in September and October was especially uneven and Calon Segur received singularly less rain than other renowned estates. Complex nose. Refined mouthfeel. Big on the finish. Fine-grained tannin. A blend of 66% cabernet sauvignon, 13% cabernet franc, 19% merlot, 2% petit verdot – pH : 3,75 – Alcohol content: 13,8% - IPT : 79. 95 points

The Chateau Calon-Segur 2014 is a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 19% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot cropped at 41hl/ha and aged in 100% new oak for what is intended to be 20 months. The alcohol comes in at 13.8%, which would have been higher if more Merlot had been retained. The first impression is one of the oak because coming straight after the Montrose `14 (elevage in 60% new oak) the wood element is more pronounced here. It is relatively opulent and high-toned compared to its Saint Estephe counterparts, developing floral scents with time but never quite extricating itself from the winemaking. The palate is medium-bodied with quite firm tannin that lend this more chewiness than either Montrose or Cos d`Estournel. There is a lot of backbone to this wine, well focused with a good line of acidity, but again, I believe a more moderate use of new oak would have allowed the terroir to be expressed in what is a terroir-driven vintage. It is an impressive, you could almost say ambitious Calon Segur, though I am seeking more personality via the terroir to be articulated. Tasted three times with consistent notes. 91-93 points

By the very high standards of this château, which is often among my favourites, this is a slight disappointment, or rather was when I tasted it. The 100% new oak that has been used since 2009 on the grand vin seemed a little intrusive, adding tannin to a wine that is already pretty firm. Give it time. 93 points