2015 Marquis de Calon (St-Estephe)

The 2015 Marquis de Calon Segur is a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc cropped at 47 hectoliters per hectare and matured in 50% new wood over the next 17 months. The blend is indicative of a decreasing proportion of Merlot. The nose is very attractive, quite rich and opulent in style, macerated black cherries, cassis and violet, nicely defined and gaining intensity in the glass. The palate is smooth on the entry with ripe blackberry and boysenberry fruit. There is a little graininess to the texture and a pleasant salinity that just crescendos towards the finish, leaving a marine-influenced residue in the mouth. This has very good potential and is certainly an improvement in terms of the deuxième vin compared to previous vintages. 88-90 points

In a tricky vintage in St Estèphe, Vincent Millet has made some impressive wines. This second label, sourced from younger vines, has classic Calon tannins, balanced by sappy freshness and acidity. Pretty seriou s and structured for a lesser wine. Drink: 2020-28 92 points

Beautifully expressed fruit: ripe 57% Merlot with a lift from 10% Cabernet Franc. Wonderful purity and freshness and extremely elegant for St-Estèphe; a perfect second wine. 91 points

Fine, St-Estèphe nose. Some richness, certainly full ripeness. Classic, very satisfying, well-balanced stuff. 16.5+ points

The 2015 Le Marquis de Calon Ségur is a pretty wine. Lifted, precise and decidedly feminine in style. Bright red cherry, blood orange, tobacco and expressive floral notes add to the wine`s mid weight structure. Silky tannins add to the wine`s near term appeal. I would prefer to drink the Marquis sooner rather than later. Tasted three times. 88-90 points