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.

2022 Calon Segur is a remarkable Bordeaux Blend wine hailing from the renowned region of St Estephe in Bordeaux, France. With its deep, inky dark color, this wine immediately catches the eye and sets high expectations for the senses. The aromatics of this wine are truly captivating, exuding an array of enticing scents. Notes of crème de cassis, blackberries, smoke, lead pencil, 5 spice, and flowers intertwine to create a complex and alluring bouquet.

Upon tasting, the 2022 Calon Segur exceeds expectations with its explosive flavors and impeccable balance. Waves of cassis and peppery blackberries flood the palate, accompanied by hints of Asian spice, espresso, and dark chocolate. The fruit is beautifully integrated with freshness, creating a harmonious and seamless experience. The wine coats the teeth, palate, and gums with its luscious fruit and leaves a refreshing hit of chocolate mint on the finish. As the wine crosses the 60-second mark, it continues to build and expand, showcasing its incredible depth and complexity.

The blend of this wine consists of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. These carefully selected grape varieties contribute to the wine's structure, elegance, and aging potential. The grapes were harvested between September 6th and September 27th, making it the earliest harvest in the history of the property. With yields at 26 hectoliters per hectare and only 53% of the harvest selected for the Grand Vin, the 2022 Calon Segur truly represents the pinnacle of quality.

The wine is currently aging in 100% new French oak barrels for 20 months before bottling. This aging process will further enhance the wine's complexity and allow its flavors to integrate seamlessly. While the 2022 Calon Segur is already showing great potential, it is recommended to wait until 2028 before indulging in its magnificence. This wine has the ability to age gracefully for several decades, rewarding those who have the patience to let it develop and evolve.

Renowned wine experts have bestowed high praise upon the 2022 Calon Segur. Jeff Leve awarded it an impressive 99 points, praising its endless waves of fruit and freshness. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave it a score of 98 points, highlighting its concentration, depth, and supple tannins. James Suckling awarded it 96 points, commending its juiciness and traditional Calon structure. Jeb Dunnuck was equally impressed, giving it a score of 99 points and describing it as a wine that will "flirt with perfection." Jane Anson awarded it 94 points, noting its power and complexity. Vinous also recognized its exceptional quality, awarding it 96 points and comparing it to postwar Calon-Ségur wines. Lastly, Decanter awarded it 96 points, praising its concentration, ripe flavors, and cool minty and stone-edged tannins.

In conclusion, the 2022 Calon Segur is a wine of unparalleled quality and finesse. Its captivating aromatics, explosive flavors, and impeccable balance make it a true gem from the St Estephe region. With its incredible aging potential, this wine is a must-have for collectors and wine enthusiasts alike.