Le Marquis de Calon Segur AC Saint Estephe 2019

WE 95 / JS 94 / VM 94 / Decanter 93 / JD 93 / WA 92 / JR 17/20

WE: The second wine of classed growth Calon Ségur, this is becoming impressive in its own right. This vintage shows the structured side of Saint-Estèphe while also showing generous black fruits and bright acidity. It is set to age well.

JS: A chewy, structured red with blackberry, chocolate and some walnut and bark. It’s full-bodied and solid with lots of fruit and tannins. Second wine of Calon Segur. Needs five or six years to soften.

VM: The 2019 Le Marquis de Calon Ségur is a terrific second wine. Ample, bold and dramatic, the 2019 packs a huge punch. Black cherry, plum, new leather, graphite and incense build as this flamboyant, opulent Saint-Estèphe shows off its considerable allure. The 2019 is a big wine, but the 15.1% alcohol is not especially evident.

Decanter : Gorgeously plump blackberry and damson fruit here, high impact with chewy tannins that build through the palate and give an impression of confidence and pleasure. A clear crowd pleaser, with cocoa bean and chocolate shavings, no need to wait too long to approach. 30% new oak.

JD: A bottle of wine I’d happily drink, the 2019 Le Marquis De Calon Ségur sports a ruby/purple hue as well as classic Saint-Estèphe notes of red and black fruits, damp earth, leafy herbs, and even some spicy, floral nuances that I don’t normally find in young Saint-Estèphe. Medium-bodied on the palate, it’s nicely balanced, has well-integrated acidity and tannins, and outstanding length. It’s a rock solid second wine with loads to love.

WA : Deep purple-black colored, the 2019 Le Marquis de Calon-Ségur wafts out of the glass with fragrant potpourri, garrigue and Darjeeling tea scents over a core of redcurrant jelly, plum preserves and blackcurrant pastilles plus a touch of cracked black pepper. The full-bodied palate has a rock-solid frame of grainy tannins with loads of freshness supporting the crunchy black fruits, finishing long and savory.

JR: 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc. Barrel sample. More measured and approachable than stablemate Capbern. Juicy and lifted on the nose and palate, the aromas running to cassis and dark fruits. Fine tannins and freshness provide the balance. 17/20 points