Château Calon Ségur Saint-Estèphe 2021
- v97
- we97
- jd94
- ws93
Category | Red Wine |
Varietals | |
Brand | Château Calon Ségur |
Origin | France, Bordeaux, Saint-Estèphe |
Alcohol/vol | 13% |
The history of this chateau goes back to 1147 when it was first referenced by the books of the tax collector when the wine taxes were paid! Even back then, the taxman kept good records… Through the centuries, the estate changed hands multiple times until the Ségur family took control in the 17th century. In fact, under Nicholas-Alexandre Marquis de Segur, the family owned every single First Growth except Mouton!
A heart was engraved on the façade of the winery with the words “Premier cru de Saint-Estèphe” as a reminder of how intertwined the history of this chateau and the village of Saint-Estèphe is. To that point, the village of Saint-Estèphe long ago was officially named Saint-Estèphe de Calon. Today, the Chateau Calon Ségur is a Third Growth classified cru, one of five in this village, though it was the first and oldest estate in the commune. The restructuring of the vineyards started in 2006 with two major focuses: to increase the density of vines per acre and to increase the proportion of cabernet sauvignon plantings that should reach about 70% by 2032. Moreover, under the new ownership by the insurance group Arkea along with the star oenologist Eric Boissenot, massive investments were made toward the winery, the cellars and all other facilities to improve the vinification and aging conditions. No expense was spared at this chateau! Of course, the magnificent terroir is still at the core of everything, as the architecture upgrade was created to reflect what is happening in the vineyards. From the size of the vats to match each individual parcel micro production to the gravity-powered technology to eliminate the maximum of manipulation; everything goes back to this special and unique terroir.
Vinous
- v97
A Saint-Estèphe of stature and vertical intensity, the 2021 Calon Ségur dazzles from the very first taste. Spice, menthol, licorice, black cherry, mint and espresso are some of the many notes that build with a bit of coaxing. The 2021 clocks in at a modest 12.9% in alcohol, yet it possesses tremendous density and textural resonance. What a wine! Tasted two times.
Wine Enthusiast
- we97
In the winery's style, this is seriously dense with solid tannins and concentration. It is a powerful wine with a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc that has structure and dense black fruits, The wine is likely to age well. Drink from 2028.
Jeb Dunnuck
- jd94
One of the true gems in the vintage is the 2021 Château Calon Ségur, which comes from tiny yields of 26 hectoliters per hectare and 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot. This beauty was aged in 100% new barrels for 20 months and hit 13% alcohol. It brings more depth, sweet fruit, and charm than most in the vintage and has a complex, layered style in its cassis, black raspberries, tobacco, leather, and savory flower-like aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, this balanced, layered, complete 2021 has ripe tannins, the vintage's focused, elegant style, solid mid-palate depth, and a beautiful finish. It already offers pleasure, but it warrants 4-5 years of bottle age and will provide two decades of prime drinking. This vintage doesn't get much better, and this is worth your time and money.
Wine Spectator
- ws93
A step ahead of the pack in this vintage, this offers a hint of polish to fleshier-than-most cassis and plum puree flavors. Solidly built, with a well-buried chalky spine, plus tangy acidity. Lilac, bay and black tea notes add range on the finish. Shows the vintage's taut character, but this has more depth and better proportion than most of its colleagues. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2025 through 2037. 7,800 cases made.