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.

The 2020 Calon Segur is a remarkable Bordeaux blend from the esteemed St Estephe region in Bordeaux, France. With its deep, ruby color and alluring aromas, this wine captivates the senses from the moment it is poured into the glass.

On the nose, the 2020 Calon Segur reveals an enticing bouquet of blueberries, blackberries, and currants, intertwined with hints of spearmint and sweet spices. As the wine opens up, additional layers of mocha and walnuts emerge, adding complexity and depth to the aromatic profile.

Upon the first sip, it becomes evident that this wine is a true masterpiece. It showcases a medium to full body, with muscular yet velvety tannins that melt seamlessly into the wine, creating a luxurious and smooth texture. The flavors on the palate mirror the aromas, with an abundance of ripe berries, complemented by notes of mint and exotic spices. The wine's length is truly impressive, leaving a lasting impression on the palate.

Renowned wine critic James Suckling awarded the 2020 Calon Segur an impressive score of 96 points, praising its flavor, body, and velvety tannins. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also recognized its brilliance, awarding it a score of 97 points. The wine was described as deep, layered, and harmonious, with a vibrant core of fruit and a long, perfumed finish.

Decanter magazine was equally impressed, awarding the wine an outstanding score of 98 points. They noted its very deep perfumed nose and highlighted its balance, energy, and freshness. The wine was praised for its richness, concentration, and impressive length.

The 2020 Calon Segur received high praise from other respected critics as well. Jeff Leve awarded it a score of 98 points, describing it as powerful, rich, and packed with layers of dark fruits, spices, and tobacco leaf. Jeb Dunnuck was equally enthusiastic, awarding the wine an exceptional score of 99 points and calling it a masterpiece. Wine Enthusiast and Vinous also recognized its quality, awarding it scores of 97 and 96 points respectively.

With its immense aging potential, the 2020 Calon Segur is a wine that will continue to evolve and impress over the next several decades. It is recommended to be enjoyed from 2025 onwards, but for those with patience, it will reward further cellaring. This wine is a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship and dedication of the team at Calon Segur, solidifying its status as one of the finest wines produced in Bordeaux.