2005 Calon-Segur
By Chateau Calon-Segur
2005 Calon-Segur from Chateau Calon-Segur, St-Estephe, Bordeaux
Modernity and tradition find a cosy coexistence in the bottle of 2005 Calon-Segur from Chateau Calon-Segur, with the vintage standing out as exceptional from the revered Left Bank of Bordeaux. St-Estephe's 2005 season was marked by near-perfect growing conditions, materialising into a harvest that became the stuff of vinous legend. As a witness to the transformative power of time on wine, I've delved deep into the heart-shaped emblem of Calon-Segur to discover the matured poise of the 2005 vintage.
A Distinguished Terroir's Triumph
The gravelly soils of St-Estephe blessed the 2005 vintage with an optimal playground for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot vines to sink their roots into. The result? A structured and yet magnanimously harmonious claret. Vigorous tannins have ceded to a velvety opulence which cradles dark fruit nuances, conjuring whispers of blackcurrant and plum that dance amidst undercurrents of truffle and cigar box.
Finesse for the Financier
For those seeking wine investment opportunities, 2005 Calon-Segur undoubtedly deserves attention. As it occupies the sturdy branch high upon Bordeaux's quality tree, its investment allure is amplified by the vintage’s pedigree. A remarkable addition to any portfolio, this wine elegantly balances robust ageability with immediate hedonistic pleasure—a duality as rewarding financially as it is sensorially.
A Vintage Forgone But Not Forgotten
The once tightly wound structure of 2005 now unfurls elegantly in the glass, allowing its complex layers to elucidate stories of its formative years—the mildew-resisting arid winds of August '04, through to the flowering fostered by '05's golden June sunbeams. It is this detailed tapestry that affirms 2005 Calon-Segur's place amongst St-Estephe’s venerable offerings.
Embracing both cellar maturity and vigour, this enlightened vintage impresses with its profound complexity and aristocratic poise. A morsel hailing from ripe terrains that whispers tales of wise soil and brighter days, inducing respectful nods among enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Now gracefully ascended to its plateau of maturity, it behoves you to secure a cache of 2005 Calon-Segur within your collection—before time takes its tribute.
Market price (CAD)
$1,830.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
73.33
Scores and tasting notes
A deep purple/garnet core. Limpid. This has a stunning nose, brilliant definition and surfeit with fruit intensity, waves of blackberry, black olive, cassis, blueberry and vanillary oak. The palate is full-bodied, very backward but super smooth with silky cashmere tannins. Blackberry, cassis, a touch of blueberry and a lot of new oak on the finish. This is a sexy Calon-Segur, atypically modern in style, beautifully crafted and destined for a long future. So much finesse. Wonderful. Drink 2018-2040. Tasted November 2008.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jan 2009
Tasted from an ex-château bottle at BI Wine & Spirits Calon-Segur dinner in London, the 2005 Calon Segur is on par with the wonderful 2000. The only real difference is that this needs more time in bottle. It has a captivating nose: blackberry and boysenberry fruit coming at you at full pelt; dried blood and bacon fat developing as secondary aromas just behind. There is fine delineation here - an underlying mineralité sure to surface with time. The palate is very intense and disarmingly youthful, almost ferrous on the entry with layers of ripe black fruit that segue into an earthy finish (with a curious light tang of Marmite on the aftertaste!). It is a fabulous Calon Ségur, though the millennial wine might ultimately possess greater precision. We will see. Tasted March 2015.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 October 2016
A dense, structured red with beautiful aromas of chocolate, hazelnut, dried spices and currants. Full body with superfine tannins and a tight finish. This is a wine that is just beginning to be drinkable but has a long, long life ahead of it. Taste now and dream of the future. Better in 2016.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, July 1st 2013
A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, the totally closed 2005 Calon Segur is one of those traditionally made, backstrapping, uncompromising Bordeaux that will last 30-40 or more years. Its dense ruby color with purple nuances is followed by a nose that reluctantly offers up scents of damp earth, wood smoke, black cherries, cassis, and an exotic Asian spice character. The wine is formidably endowed and broodingly tannic, with noticeable acidity and a structured, nearly impenetrable mouthfeel. Nevertheless, it is easy to sense the weight, extract, and richness in this pure, deep wine. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2050.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #176