Marquis de Calon Ségur, St Estèphe, 2022

The second wine of Calon-Ségur, this is 58% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% each Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, and the élevage was in 30% new oak for 17 months. The fruit on the nose feels dark and lightly roasted, with red cherry and baked strawberry, touched with a little black pepper. I find there is a welcoming charm to the palate though, which presents a rather forward phalanx of juicy blackberry, red cherry and liquorice fruits, laced with black pepper and toast. The palate presents much the same, laced with tobacco and cigar box, with a rich wrapping of robust but nicely knit-together tannins. This is an impressive second wine for the vintage, sinewy but confident, with very dark fruits and piles of tannic grip. The alcohol on the label is 15%, which is remarkable as although it fits with the style, there is no suggestion of heat or spirit on nose or palate.

DRINKING WINDOW 2026 - 2042

date of review 06/2025

The 2022 Le Marquis de Calon Ségur is driven by Merlot on the nose, with vivid red cherry and crushed strawberry scents soaring from the glass while maintaining delineation and freshness. The medium-bodied palate offers a bit of sucrosity on the entry, transitioning into a more structured and classically styled middle and finish, with hints of black truffle emerging towards the end. This is simply a delicious Marquis de Calon Ségur.

DRINKING WINDOW 2026 - 2040

date of review 02/2025

Violet reflections, dense fully ripe berries, tannins just the right side of constricting, with black berry, spiced plums, fresh almonds and smoked earth. 26hl/h yields. No pumping over here, and since 2021 they have been making greater use of fractions of press wine during blending. Hail impact brought yields down. 30% new oak

DRINKING WINDOW 2026 - 2038

date of review 05/2023