2025 Marquis de Calon (St-Estephe)

High floral aromatics, vivid and vibrant plum colour, this is a very charming and well constructed wine. The personality of Marquis has changed a little over the past few years in the best way, this is juicy, feels more old school in its tannic structure than exuberant vintages like 2022, with far more vibrant fruit than 2024, closer to 2023 in style here, a huge plus for me. 20% new oak. 3.5 pH. Yield 35 hl/ha. Harvest September 4 to 20. 93 points

The 2025 Le Marquis de Calon Segur is a powerful, dense wine. Dark and somber, with gorgeous depth and plush contours, the Marquis has a lot to offer. Blackberry, gravel, incense, licorice, dried herbs and mocha are all dialed up. All the richness of the year comes through loud and clear, but floral and citrus overtones on the finish provide a measure of balance. 90-93 points

The 2025 Le Marquis de Calon-Segur is a blend of 67% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc. Wafting from the glass with notes of blackberries, cassis and iris, it`s medium- to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with supple tannins, lively acids and a penetrating finish. 91-93 points

The 2025 Le Marquis de Calon Segur is the expression of the Merlot at the estate, and there is more in the blend this year than before, around 67%. Matured in 20% new oak, that Merlot obviously sits in the driving seat, delivering juicy redcurrant and wild strawberry scents. The oak is nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied, with very malleable tannins, fine acidity, rounded and slightly chalky in texture. Quite linear towards the finish, this is not a flamboyant Saint-Estephe, though there is already a sense of refinement that will carry it through for 12 to 15 years if you can resist its approachability. 89-91 points