The 2019 Château Calon Ségur is a monumental Third Growth Saint-Estèphe from Bordeaux's Left Bank, presented here in the highly desirable 1500ml Magnum format. Calon Ségur occupies the northernmost position among the Médoc's classified growths and is one of Bordeaux's most historic estates, famously associated with the Marquis de Ségur and his declaration that although he made wine at Lafite and Latour, his "heart was at Calon" - the origin of the heart that still appears on every bottle. The 2019 Grand Vin is Cabernet-dominant, approximately 72–73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, harvested at around 40 hl/ha. It underwent approximately 20 days of maceration before being matured entirely in new French oak, consistent with Calon Ségur's uncompromising approach to its Grand Vin.
2019 is an exceptional modern expression of Calon Ségur: powerful and concentrated, yet remarkably polished. Cassis, blackberry, black cherry and dark plum are layered with violet, graphite, pencil shavings, tobacco, liquorice, clove and dark chocolate. The palate has the muscular structure expected from Saint-Estèphe, but the tannins are unusually refined and silky, supported by freshness and a long mineral finish. Critical reception has been outstanding, including 98 Points from Antonio Galloni's Vinous, 98 Points from The Wine Independent, 97 Points from Decanter, 96 Points from James Suckling and 96 Points from Wine Spectator. The Wine Independent describes layers of black and red fruit supported by very firm ripe tannins and gives a drinking window extending to 2050.
