2023 Calon-Segur (St-Estephe)

The 2023 Calon Segur, aged entirely in new oak, is quintessential Saint-Estephe on the nose, with blackberry and wild hedgerow scents, slate and graphite, paradoxically standoffish but luring you in. Impressive delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins. Quite linear in style, a little more peppery than I recollect from barrel, it has an insistent grip and admirable sustain on the aftertaste. Very fine. 93 points

Precise and confident texture to this wine, has higher levels of both Cabernets in 2023 than in 2022, having reached exceptional maturity, and personally I feel that have recaptured the heart and spirit of Calon. Skilfully made, love the violet peony savoury character, it`s sappy and has liqourice root and squid ink salinity, along with tons of cassis and cigar box. The blend for this was built on Cabernet, and you can feel it. My favourite Calon since the 2020 vintage, hands down. 100% new oak, director Vincent Millet. 97 points

The 2023 Calon Segur is a wine for readers who can be patient. In many recent years, Calon Segur has been quite showy, but this is not one of them. Bold acids and huge tannins dominate at this stage. Bright red-toned fruit is a signature, but the 2023 is a powerful, young Calon Segur that will clearly need time to come together. Bright acids extend the finish beautifully. 94-96 points

The 2023 Calon-Segur is another en primeur success for this resurgent Saint-Estephe third growth. Wafting from the glass with aromas of cassis, pencil shavings, wild berries and plums, it`s medium to full-bodied, cool and layered, with a deep and integrated core, terrific concentration, lively acids and refined structuring tannins, concluding with a long, penetrating finish. It`s a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot that checks in at 14% alcohol. 94-96 points