Saint Estèphe de Calon-Ségur 2018

1. Winery Background

Château Calon-Ségur is one of the oldest estates in Bordeaux, located in the Saint-Estèphe appellation on Bordeaux’s Left Bank. The château is a Third Growth classified estate in the 1855 classification, renowned for producing robust, structured wines. Saint Estèphe de Calon-Ségur is the estate’s third wine, crafted with the same care and attention as the Grand Vin but intended for earlier drinking. It offers a more approachable, fruit-forward expression of the estate’s signature style.

2. The Producer

Château Calon-Ségur is a historic estate, once owned by the Marquis de Ségur, who famously said, “My heart belongs to Calon,” which is why a heart symbol adorns the château’s wine labels. The property is currently owned by the Suravenir Group, and the estate is managed by Vincent Millet, who applies a meticulous approach to both vineyard management and winemaking to maintain the estate’s high standards.

3. The Vineyard

The Saint-Estèphe appellation is located in the northern Médoc, known for its gravelly and clay-rich soils, which provide excellent drainage and promote slow, even ripening of the grapes. Château Calon-Ségur’s vineyards span about 55 hectares, and the third wine, Saint Estèphe de Calon-Ségur, is sourced from younger vines on the estate, with a focus on showcasing the unique terroir of the appellation.

4. The Wine

Saint Estèphe de Calon-Ségur 2018 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and a small amount of Cabernet Franc. It reflects the more approachable, fruit-forward style of the estate while still carrying the structure and refinement associated with Saint-Estèphe wines.

5. The Vintage (2018)

The 2018 vintage in Bordeaux is considered exceptional, despite challenging weather conditions early in the growing season. Heavy rains in the spring gave way to a hot and dry summer, allowing the grapes to ripen fully, resulting in rich, concentrated wines. The 2018 vintage is known for its intense fruit, ripe tannins, and great aging potential.

6. Vinification and Aging

The grapes for Saint Estèphe de Calon-Ségur are harvested by hand and sorted before fermentation in stainless steel vats. The wine is aged for about 16 months in French oak barrels, with a portion of new oak to add complexity and depth to the wine while maintaining a focus on freshness and drinkability.

7. The Grapes

• Cabernet Sauvignon (majority)

• Merlot

• Cabernet Franc

The blend is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, providing structure and black fruit flavors, while Merlot adds softness and ripe red fruit. Cabernet Franc contributes aromatic complexity and spice.

8. Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep ruby with purple highlights.

• Nose: Aromas of blackcurrant, plum, and blackberries, complemented by notes of cedar, tobacco, and hints of graphite. There is also a touch of spice and vanilla from the oak aging.

• Palate: The wine is medium to full-bodied, with flavors of ripe black fruits, such as blackcurrants and dark cherries, alongside herbal and earthy notes. The tannins are fine and well-integrated, providing structure without being overpowering. The wine has a fresh acidity, which balances the richness of the fruit, leading to a smooth, refined finish.

• Finish: Long, with lingering notes of black fruit, spice, and a touch of minerality.

9. Food and Wine Pairing

Saint Estèphe de Calon-Ségur 2018 pairs beautifully with a range of rich and flavorful dishes, especially those that highlight the wine’s structure and complexity:

• Grilled or roasted meats such as lamb, beef, or pork

• Steak with peppercorn sauce or Béarnaise

• Game dishes like venison or duck

• Hard cheeses, including Comté or aged Gouda

• Mushroom-based dishes like mushroom risotto or a savory tart

10. Service

• Serving Temperature: Serve at around 16-18°C (60-64°F) to allow the wine’s flavors to fully develop.

• Decanting: Decanting for about 30 minutes to an hour is recommended to help open up the wine and reveal its complexity.

11. Storage

• Aging Potential: The 2018 Saint Estèphe de Calon-Ségur can be enjoyed in its youth for its ripe fruit and freshness, but it also has the potential to age for another 7-10 years, developing more complexity with time.

• Storage: Store in a cool, dark place with consistent temperatures, ideally around 12°C (55°F), to ensure proper aging.

12. Scores

• James Suckling: 92 points

• Wine Enthusiast: 91 points

• Wine Advocate: 90 points

Saint Estèphe de Calon-Ségur 2018 is an elegant and approachable expression of the Saint-Estèphe appellation, offering rich fruit flavors, refined tannins, and a well-balanced structure. It is perfect for enjoying now or cellaring for added complexity in the coming years.