2023 Marquis de Calon (St-Estephe)

A serious Marquis with higher Cabernet Sauvignon than usual, ink, spiced plum, damson, orange peel, chocolate, cocoa bean. Slightly exuberant, silky texture, with a flash of heat. 30% new oak for ageing, 3.6ph, 45hl/h yield. 90 points

The 2023 Le Marquis de Calon Segur is a bright, beautifully focused wine. Graphite, lavender, mocha, chocolate, incense, licorice and crushed rocks all run through this gorgeous, wonderfully inviting Saint-Estephe. This is an especially serious Le Marquis, perhaps because of the inclusion of some Merlot lots that usually go into the Grand Vin. In this tasting, I find the aromatic presence and structure of the Cabernet highly expressive and very much in the foreground. What a gorgeous wine this is. 91-93 points

The 2023 Le Marquis de Calon-Segur is a blend of 50% Merlot and 48% Cabernet Sauvignon with the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, incorporating the estate`s finest Merlot plots that generally go into the grand vin but which didn`t match with Calon`s best Cabernet Sauvignon lots this year. Offering up aromas of cassis, plums, burning embers and spices, framed by a deft touch of new oak, it`s medium to full-bodied, deep and structured, with impressive density and muscle, built for the cellar. 91-93 points

The 2023 Le Marquis de Calon Segur represents 48% of the château’s volume, sourced old Merlot vines that don`t enter the Grand Vin, plus young Cabernets. It has a composed bouquet with raspberry, blackberry, cedar and light tertiary scents. I appreciate the Saint-Estephe DNA in its aromatics. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins and fresh acidity, more complexity than the Capbern that precedes its and more substance on the finish. This is a very commendable second wine. 90-92 points