2020 Marquis de Calon (St-Estephe)

This is well built, stacked with tannins, luxurious and dripping in cocoa bean, dark chocolate, blackberry and damson fruits. Clear edge of power and smoked cedar oak. Around 53% of overall production, 33hl/h yield, 30% new oak. 93 points

The 2018 Le Marquis de Calon Ségur has a slightly smudged bouquet that clarifies with time. Brambly red fruit intermix with loam and a touch of peppermint. This is actually more open than I anticipated. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, touches of white pepper, just easing off a little prematurely on the finish where I would have liked more grip. Otherwise, this will give a decade of drinking pleasure. 89 points

Time and elevage have been kind to the 2020 Le Marquis de Calon Segur. Silky, plush and inviting, the Marquis is showing so well today. Super-ripe dark cherry, plum, espresso, mocha and incense all meld together in a Merlot-based Saint-Estephe of real class. This is a gorgeous second wine. 92 points

Tasted blind. Very dark with narrow rim. Really fragrant but subtle, fresh aroma of black fruit with a light leafy as well as riper damson note. Juicy, fresh, refined tannins. Elegant and harmonious with lots of freshness and length. 17 points moderately complex, sweet and gently juicy, with a surprising finesse, and fine light length. Easy and satisfying. Drink 2025–37+. 89–91 points