95-98 The 2023 Château Calon Ségur is absolutely brilliant and clearly in the top handful of wines in the vintage. Based on 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, it has a stunning array of cassis and black raspberry-like fruits intermixed with smoky tobacco, graphite, and classy oak. Full-bodied, concentrated, and seamlessly textured, it has more mid-palate depth, richness, and length than just about every other wine out there.
Intense, perfumed aromas of graphite, blackberries, blueberries and stones follow through to a medium body with dried spices, tobacco, dried flowers and thyme. Typical on the palate as well. Structured and linear, with super length and tension. 72% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot, 12% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. Give this four or five years. Try after 2029.
TWI
97pts
The Wine Independent
95-97 A blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2023 Calon Segur has a deep garnet-purple color. After a swirl or two, notes of fresh blackcurrants, juicy blackberries, and redcurrant jelly leap from the glass, followed by hints of rose oil, cumin seed, and mint tea. The medium to full-bodied palate is bursting with bold red and black fruit flavors, supported by fine-grained tannins, finishing long and spicy. Nicely done!
94-96 The 2023 Calon-Ségur is another en primeur success for this resurgent Saint-Estèphe third growth. Wafting from the glass with aromas of cassis, pencil shavings, wild berries and plums, it's medium to full-bodied, cool and layered, with a deep and integrated core, terrific concentration, lively acids and refined structuring tannins, concluding with a long, penetrating finish. It's a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot that checks in at 14% alcohol.
The 2023 Calon Ségur is every bit as impressive as it was en primeur. Today, I find it a bit tight texturally, but that won't be an issue in time. Dark-toned fruit, lavender, dried herbs, licorice, menthol, gravel and chocolate are some of the notes that take shape in the glass. Cabernet Sauvignon is very much front and center. The 2023 is a wine of reserve; I won't be surprised if it is even better in a few years.
Sweet and fresh bramble berry notes on the nose. Some toast, liquorice, dark chocolate, tobacco, cedar and clove. Succulent and supple, this has a lovely energy and focus but with density and bite at the same time. Chalky, fleshy tannins fill the mouth but at the same time as a liquorice and slate flavour lingers on the cheeks. Both fruity and lean and straight at the same time. Not yet so harmonised, but there’s finesse and refinement to the expression and nothing feels out of place or too much. Has a juicy centre and a touch of sweet strawberries that lift the expression which is so pleasant. Ends clean and grippy. It’s very good and you can't fault the refinement, clarity and precision on show. More Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend than last year at 72%. 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 55% grand vin production. 3.7pH. 45hl/ha yield. Ageing 20 months, 100% new.
Dark and winey, with a reserved persona as warmed plum sauce and cassis notes move slowly, showing flashes of alder smoke and black tea throughout. The finish offers admirable grip in the form of cast iron buried amid the fruit, letting this keep a polished and suave feel overall. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2027 through 2040.