Chateau Calon-Segur

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Calon-Ségur is one of the oldest properties in the Médoc—dating back to the middle ages. In the 18th century, the estate fell into the hands of the Marquis de Ségur. Despite the fact that he also owned the more prestigious Chateau Lafite and Chateau Latour, the Marquis famously said: "I make wine at Lafite and Latour, but my heart is in Calon.” Today the bottle’s iconic label depicts a large heart around the estate's name.

Located in the north of the St-Estèphe appellation, this historic Third Growth winery got its name from the small river boats, or “calons,” that were used to ferry timber across the Gironde River estuary, which the Calon-Ségur vines overlooked.

The majority of the vineyards are Cabernet Sauvignon, with about 20% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and a touch of Petit Verdot. The grapes are grown in deep gravelly beds mixed with sand, and in parts, clay and limestone.

From the late 1800s through the entire 20th century Chateau Calon-Ségur was owned by the Gasqueton family. While the estate was recently sold to Suravenir, we are still offering a few gems from the Gasqueton era, most notably the 1995 and 1996.

James Suckling gives the 1995 vintage 97 pts, writing: "I always loved this wine from the first time I tasted it in 1998. It has such purity and power yet it's reserved and beautiful. It's one of the best Calons ever… Lots of currant and berry character and hints of dried spices.” Neal Martin, of the Wine Journal believes ‘95 has just entered its best period of drinkability: 2015-2040!

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar rates the 1996 with 93+ pts and says the best time to drink it is 2010 through 2030. "Bright medium ruby. Deep, superripe aromas of dark berries, black cherry and bitter chocolate; slightly exotic crystallized fruit aspect. Dense, sweet and wonderfully rich; a lovely combination of palate-caressing chocolatey fruit and firm underlying structure.”

Also worth a look is the second-label 2012 Marquis de Calon—which has just arrived. The Wine Enthusiast gives it 92 pts and says: "Dominated by ripe, juicy Merlot, this smooth wine has already integrated its tannins. Rich and opulent, it has a velvet texture and dusty tannins, along with plenty of acidity from the black currant fruits.” We are offering this at $35 for a 750ml bottle.