2017 Calon-Segur (St-Estephe)

The 2017 Calon-Segur was bottled at the beginning of July 2019. This is clearly more intense and complex than the Marquis de Calon with blackberry, bilberry, traces of brine and discrete tobacco aromas. Classic in style with the Cabernet component clearly more expressive than previous vintages (a long-term policy as they reconfigure vineyard planting). The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and superb balance. There is a natural and effortless feel to this nascent Calon-Segur, very focused with a `cool` and slightly reserved finish. Classy and, dare I say, it represents one of the few 2017s that may challenge its 2018 counterpart. 93 points , firm and very St-Estèphe, with tannin structure. But the structure is filled molecule by molecule with the fruit. It`s so finely balanced. There`s more firmness than in Cos but there`s still excellent harmony. Opens to a hint of violets. Super-moreish and juicy even with the structure of the terroir. 17.5+ points

The 2017 Calon-Ségur is tentatively blended of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it opens with pronounced black currants, crushed blackberries and fresh black plums with hints of cigar box, sandalwood and cinnamon stick plus a waft of mossy bark. The palate is medium-bodied, elegant, energetic and fresh with layers of black fruit, perfumed incense and fragrant earth notions, lingering nicely with exotic spices coming through on the finish. 92-94 points