2018 Ch Calon Segur 2eme Cru, St-Estephe

The quality of the tannins is most notable here; they are present, but totally integrated and folded into the wine. Medium-to full-bodied with lovely savory fruit and a persistent and long finish. Very harmonious and fine. Yet, with air, it takes off with tannin power.

97-98 points James Suckling

The 2018 Calon-Ségur is blended of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot (14.9% alcohol). It is anticipated to age for 20 months in barriques, 100% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it needs just a little coaxing before it reveals seductive notes of baked cherries, warm cassis, licorice and smoked meats with nuances of hoisin, camphor, Chinese five spice and dried roses with a waft of cardamom. Full-bodied and completely packed with concentrated black fruit and spice layers, it has a firm frame of grainy tannins and a wicked backbone of freshness giving an energetic lift to the very long finish. There's lots of brightness coming from the Cabernet Franc component in here, but it is nonetheless a decadent expression.

96-98 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW for The Wine Advocate

Few Bordeaux estates are as instantly recognisable as Château Calon Ségur, its heart-shaped label symbolising the devotion of the Marquis de Ségur, who famously declared, "I make wine at Lafite and Latour, but my heart is at Calon." Classified as a Second Growth in 1855, the estate has become one of Saint Estèphe's most revered names, celebrated for wines that unite power, elegance and extraordinary longevity.

The outstanding 2018 vintage produced fruit of exceptional concentration and balance, with a warm growing season tempered by ideal late-season conditions. The estate's gravel and clay soils yielded beautifully expressive Cabernet Sauvignon of remarkable purity, while meticulous vineyard selection and patient élevage created a wine of depth, harmony and remarkable ageing potential.

Deep garnet with youthful purple highlights, the bouquet is layered with cassis, blackberry and black cherry, intertwined with cedar, graphite and cigar box. As the wine opens, aromas of violets, pencil shavings, tobacco leaf and dark chocolate emerge, adding complexity and classic Saint Estèphe character. The palate is powerful yet impeccably refined, combining concentrated black fruits with cashmere fine tannins, vibrant acidity and a beautifully defined mineral backbone. Exceptionally long and graceful, the finish lingers with savoury spice, floral perfume and remarkable persistence.

A magnificent companion for Chateaubriand, roast lamb, venison loin, duck with black truffle or mature Comté. Already captivating with extended decanting, this outstanding Second Growth has the pedigree and structure to reward collectors for decades.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2058.