The Producer
Located at the extreme north of the Saint-Estèphe appellation, this estate is among the oldest properties in the Médoc. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages when it belonged to the Lords of Calon. In the 18th century, it was acquired by Marquis Nicolas-Alexandre de Ségur, also the owner of Lafite and Latour, who gave it its current name. He particularly cherished this property, declaring that his heart was at Calon, a phrase that has become emblematic and is now symbolized by the famous heart depicted on the labels. Classified as a Third Grand Cru in the 1855 classification, the estate has maintained a strong identity and a reputation for great qualitative consistency over time.
The vineyard extends over a typical terroir of Saint-Estèphe, primarily composed of gravel resting on a base of deep clay. This structure gives the wines power, freshness, and great aging potential. Cabernet Sauvignon largely dominates the grape varieties, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and a small proportion of Petit Verdot. The proximity to the estuary of the Gironde plays an essential role in the thermal regulation of the vineyard, promoting a slow and homogeneous ripening of the grapes while preserving their aromatic balance.
Today, the estate has undertaken significant technical and agronomic investments to further refine the precision and elegance of its wines. The vinifications are carried out with a constant search for fruit purity and respect for the terroir, while aging in barrels aims to support the structure without masking the aromatic expression. The wines stand out for their combination of power, freshness, and refinement, offering a classic Médoc style capable of evolving harmoniously over several decades.
The Wine
HARVEST
Manual. First control of the grapes on the vine. Vibrating destemmer and manual sorting table.
VINIFICATION
Thermoregulated stainless steel truncated conical tanks. Maceration lasts from 18 to 21 days.
AGING
18 to 20 months, 100% new barrels. Fining with egg whites.
Tasting
The great wine of Calon Ségur reflects its terroir: rare, authentic, moving. With a lot of naturalness, it reveals both great softness and exceptional intensity. The magic of Calon lies in this balance. The style is carried by a Cabernet Sauvignon that reveals its finesse without arrogance. Elegance is everywhere, in the purity of flavors, in the delicacy of texture. Finally, the depth and length are remarkable. The extraordinary aging potential of the wine in the bottle is another characteristic of the estate. The vintages 1947, 1953, or 1982, for example, show astonishing signs of youth.
Scores and Notes
96
Vinous
95
Wine Spectator
94
James Suckling
93
Wine Advocate