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.

2015 Calon Segur, a Bordeaux Blend from the St Estephe sub-region of Bordeaux, France, is a truly exceptional wine that embodies elegance and complexity. With a deep garnet-purple color, this red wine immediately captivates the eye, hinting at the depth and richness within.

On the nose, the 2015 Calon Segur offers a symphony of aromas. Blackberries, currants, and cedar introduce themselves, followed by hints of tobacco and toasted spices. This aromatic profile is both enticing and complex, promising a sensory experience that is as captivating as it is layered.

The palate does not disappoint. Full-bodied and densely structured, this wine showcases its remarkable fruit intensity. Black fruits, such as blackberries and black cherries, take center stage, offering a luscious and mouthwatering flavor profile. The firm tannins provide structure and balance, ensuring that the wine maintains its elegance and poise.

The 2015 Calon Segur has received high praise from renowned wine critics. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it a score of 93, highlighting its medium to full-bodied richness, polished tannins, and gorgeous elegance. James Suckling was equally impressed, awarding it a score of 95 and praising its tight structure, intensity, and classically proportioned style. Wine Enthusiast gave it an impressive score of 96, noting its dense richness, opulent character, and potential for elegance with aging.

With an alcohol content of 13.5%, this wine is perfectly balanced and showcases the best characteristics of its Bordeaux heritage. It is recommended to cellar the 2015 Calon Segur until 2022 to fully appreciate its potential elegance, but for those who can't wait, it can be enjoyed now with the understanding that it will continue to evolve and improve over the next few decades.

In conclusion, the 2015 Calon Segur is a wine that demands attention. Its remarkable depth, rich fruit, and structured tannins make it a standout in the Bordeaux region. Whether enjoyed now or aged for future enjoyment, this wine promises to deliver a truly memorable experience for any wine lover.