Chateau Calon Segur   Calon Segur

2018 Calon-Segur

By Chateau Calon-Segur

2018 Calon-Segur from Chateau Calon-Segur, St-Estephe, Bordeaux

In the esteemed canon of Bordeaux's vintages, the 2018 Calon-Segur from Chateau Calon-Segur stands out with a distinctive voice. This is a vintage that encountered the ideal climatic conditions, marrying the sumptuous richness of St-Estephe's terroir with masterful viticulture and enological care. Exceptional is the word I would attribute to this season—a vintage where elements conspired to grace us generously.

 

An Undeniable Triumph of Viticulture

The growing season in 2018 was an affair of two tales—with a wet start quickly overtaken by a gloriously hot summer. It is this heat that has woven itself into the essence of the wine from Chateau Calon-Segur, articulating ripeness and power with an undercurrent of tension and poise characteristic of St-Estephe. The blend benefits immensely, displaying a classic structure with contemporary appeal.

 

Investment-worthy Craftsmanship

On investing in fine wines, one seeks a blend of history and potential. The 2018 Calon-Segur embodies this duality exceptionally. It offers collectors a snapshot of an estate at its peak performance and teases with longevity that promises expansion and refinement over time—it is, undoubtedly, one to watch in the cellars.

The profile of the 2018 offering dazzles with dark berries and hints of tobacco and graphite—emblems of its noble heritage. A velvety frame suggests its merlot augmentation, beautifully bound by cabernet sauvignon’s sturdy spine. As it unfurls on the palate, it whispers of violets and cedar; time will surely amplify this hushed conversation into a resonant chorus.

In summary, the tapestry of flavours interwoven with commendable depth makes the 2018 Calon-Segur from Chateau Calon-Segur a significant hallmark for investors seeking depth, elegance, and storied development. It’s an authentic attestant to St-Estephe's prowess—a commanding yet nuanced expression, ready to find its rightful place in connoisseurs' collections and portfolios alike.

Current market price

£1,130.00

12x75cl

Highest score

97

POP score

66.47

Scores and tasting notes

96-99

Delivers a laser beam of cassis, bitter plum and cherry reduction notes, with an extremely fine-grained structure carrying this through a long finish. Accents of iron and violet are piercing in their purity and definition. A very complete and precise wine.—J.M.

James Molesworth - Wine Spectator - April 2019

97-98

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.

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com - April 2019

96-99

A stratospheric, regal wine, Calon Ségur embodies all the best qualities of the vintage. Rich to the point of being exotically ripe, 2018 reminds me of the 2014 in its composition, but with more of everything. On the palate, the 2018 is towering and statuesque, with soaring structure and tremendous overall intensity. Striking aromatic top notes and bright saline underpinnings give the 2018 its energy, tension and nuance. As in 2014, the entirety of the château's Cabernet Franc went into the Grand Vin. Inky, powerful and explosive, Calon Ségur is a headspinning wine. Don't miss it!

Antonio Galloni - Vinous - April 2019

96-98

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.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 23 April 2019

96

An impressive, concentrated and powerful Calon that will win many admirers without a doubt, but I would be a little hesitant if you're a fan of the more classic balance found in the 2016. It has gorgeous chocolate and rich coffee notes, with complex exotic spices and even salted caramel on the finish, along with a lovely mouthwatering quality helped by a relatively low pH of 3.75 and a good yield of 41hl/ha. This will need long ageing, probably 20 months. I tasted it on several occasions and there are no arguments that it's a stunning wine but I would probably favour the 2016 if looking to cellar something, because it's more in character for what is one of my favourite properties in the appellation. 3% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 100% new oak.

Jane Anson - Decanter - April 2019

Vintage performance