2019 Calon-Segur (St-Estephe)

This is a brilliant Calon Segur, absolutely one to search out. Dripping with lush brambled fruit, from ripe damsons to sleek blackberries and touches of hedgerow that add an unforced juiciness through what is a powerful and concentrated wine. The tannins are chewy and very much present, and this has great ageing potential ahead of it. 3.8pH. A yield of 40hl/ha. 100% new oak. 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 97 points

Displaying a very deep purple-black color, the 2019 Calon-Segur strides confidently out of the glass with classic notes of warm cassis, blackberry preserves, pencil shavings and clove oil plus nuances of lilacs, cinnamon stick, chocolate box and menthol. The medium to full-bodied palate is packed with tightly wound, muscular black fruits and loads of bright floral accents, framed by firm, fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and graceful. 95-97+ points

The 2019 Calon Segur was cropped at 40hl/ha between 25 September and 9 October, underwent a 20-day cuvaison and matured entirely in new oak from nine cooperages. Like the second wine, it is initially closed on the nose, yet all it needs is five minutes for the aromas to burst from the glass with raspberry, bilberry, crushed violet and freshly rolled tobacco. The palate is the smoothest that I have ever encountered at this stage, silky and refined, framing the pure black fruit infused with minerals. This 2019 is a step up from the previous vintage, a Calon Ségur with newfound elegance and wind in its sails. Bon vin. 95-97 points

73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. Deep, dark and dense with a whiff of liquorice and menthol. Takes off on the palate with real verticality (‘an autoroute’ says winemaker Vincent Millet). Perhaps a hint of chocolate added to the dark fruit. Big tannic frame but enrobed in generous fruit so practically gourmand. Huge persistence. Again, one for the cellar. 18 po ints