The 2017 Marquis de Ségur, the deuxième vin of Calon-Ségur, was cropped at 43.5hl/ha and matured in 30% new oak. It has quite a powerful bouquet that almost dwarfs the 2015 that I tasted alongside. Merlot dominates the aromatics, a mélange of black and blue fruit, later crushed violet making it almost Margaux-like in style. The palate is medium-bodied with a sweet core of fruit and crisp acidity. It is quite saline in the mouth and then tapers towards a cedar-tinged finish that expresses the Cabernet Sauvignon. Good potential and a fine second label. 88-90 points

This has a floral edge to it and a depth of blueberry fruit that`s a little shy at first but comes through on the mid-palate. I like how this fits together, with carefully placed fruits and soft tannins. This isn`t an especially powerful Marquis and should be ready to drink within 3 to 4 years, lasting for at least fifteen. There was no frost at Calon, just the dry summer interrupted by 40-50mm of rain at the end of June and then 80mm in September to contend with. This was around the same amount as in 2015, but in September 2015 it fell over two days, whereas this year the rain lasted around 10, which was fine for the Cabernets but a little trickier for the Merlots. 50% of production went to Marquis de Calon, and 10% to the third wine, St-Estèphe de Calon, not tasted here. 30% new oak. Yield of 43.5hl/ha. 3.6pH. 90 points

57% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc. 17 months in French oak (30% new). pH 3.6. Deep crimson with cherry rim. Intense dark fruit with some deep Merlot richness that is not that common on the left bank in this vintage. Fragrance of Cabernet Franc as well. Packed with fresh dark-red fruit in the middle. Great combo of Merlot and Cabernets. Lively and full of life, fresh and energetic but still well structured and long. Generous but crunchy too. Lively and juicy with very fine, chalky tannins. Fine tannins but the fruit is the star. 17 points

The tentative blend for the 2017 Le Marquis de Calon-Ségur is 57% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it opens with bright, pretty red currants and black cherries with touches of cassis and Provence herbs plus a hint of pencil shavings. The palate is medium-bodied, fresh and juicy with plenty of vibrant fruit and soft tannins, finishing savory. 88-90 points