Chateau Calon-Segur, a Third Classified Growth, is one of the oldest estates in the Medoc, with historians dating its origins back to the Gallo-Roman era. The first part of its name is derived from the term “calones”, which were small transport boats that travelled up and down the Gironde estuary. The Segur part was later added by Nicolas-Alexandre, the Marquis de Segur who also owned Latour, Lafite and Mouton.

Winegrowing at Calon can be traced back to the 12th century but it wasn’t until the 18th century, in Nicolas-Alexandre’s time, that the finest chapter of the property’s history was written. The marquis declared his love for his favorite estate by his famous quote: “I make wine at Lafite and Latour, but my heart is at Calon.” The main feature of the heart on the wine’s label is a symbol of this love.

The vineyard of Calon-Segur is comprised of fifty-five hectares (136 acres) made up of one single block adjacent to the village of Saint-Estephe and completely surrounded by a stone wall. The combination of clay and gravel soils provides power and finesse to the grand vin of Calon-Segur where Cabernet Sauvignon is the backbone.

In addition to the grand vin, the estate produces a second wine (Le Marquis de Calon Segur), and a third wine (Saint-Estephe de Calon Segur) mainly produced from the estate’s young vines.

The Grand Vin of Calon Segur is the mirror image of its terroir, revealing both lovely softness and amazing intensity. The vines, 8,000 per hectare, are planted on deep gravel that lies atop clay. 54% of the vines are Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.

The manual harvest is followed by both shake-table and hand-sorting. Fermentation is in temperature-controlled conical stainless-steel tanks with maceration for 18 to 21 days. The wine ages 18 to 20 months in 30% new French oak barrels and are fined with egg whites.

Allow me to introduce you to the exquisite 2010 Calon Segur, a Bordeaux Blend that hails from the esteemed region of St Estephe in Bordeaux, France. This wine is a true gem, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of the renowned producer Calon Segur.

In the glass, the 2010 Calon Segur displays a rich and alluring red hue, captivating the eye with its depth and intensity. With each swirl, the wine releases a tantalizing bouquet that is both rustic and full of character. Tertiary smoky scents dance on the nose, inviting you to explore further.

Upon the first sip, the palate is greeted with a medium-bodied texture and brusque tannins that add a touch of aggression. However, fear not, as these tannins will be polished and refined by the oak aging process before bottling. The wine reveals a masculine earthiness and a gentle yet insistent grip, leading to a finish that is as redoubtable as the esteemed Mme Gasqueton herself.

Notable wine experts have showered the 2010 Calon Segur with high praise. Neal Martin's Wine Journal awards this wine a remarkable score of 93 points, describing it as "full of character and freshness" and highlighting its promising potential. Vinous, another respected publication, rates this vintage even higher with a score of 94 points, praising its vibrant and energetic bouquet, supple tannins, and fleshy yet focused finish.

Wine Enthusiast takes this wine to another level, giving it an outstanding score of 97 points. They describe it as an "architectural wine" with a classical structure, powered by ripe tannins and beautiful black currant fruits. This wine exudes power and elegance, making it an excellent candidate for long-term aging.

James Suckling, a well-known wine critic, is enchanted by the pure fruit and floral undertones of this red. He awards it an impressive score of 96 points and suggests trying it in 2017 to fully appreciate its depth and balance.

John Gilman, writing for View From The Cellar, rates the 2010 Calon Segur at 92 points, noting its blend of red and black cherries, dark chocolate, and nutty new wood. While he considers it a very good vintage, he believes it falls slightly short of the exceptional 2009 and 2008 Calon Segur wines.

Jancis Robinson's Purple Pages gives this wine a stellar score of 96 points, declaring it a "real star of the vintage." She praises its succulent and generous fruit, soft tannins, and loads of complex flavors that persist on the finish.

Jeff Leve, from TheWineCellarInsider.com, rates this wine at 93 points, emphasizing its tannic richness, earthy notes, and balanced freshness. He recommends allowing the wine to age for 10-15 years to fully appreciate its evolution.

The 2010 Calon Segur is truly a wine to behold. With its exceptional scores, complex flavors, and promising aging potential, it is undoubtedly a standout among Bordeaux blends. Indulge in this remarkable vintage and experience the artistry and elegance that Calon Segur brings to the table.