Château Calon Ségur, 3ème Cru Classé, St Estèphe, 2009

Madame Gasqueton is notoriously difficult to arrange an appointment with. Either she is the most popular lady in Bordeaux or she likes to make us sweat... This year, despite our every attempts, we were told NON. But being resourceful chaps and chapesses we requested a fresh sample to taste in privacy. Calon Segur is always one of the most charming, most seductive and most elegant wines from the northern Medoc. It somehow combines great power and presence with femininity and sophistication. Made from 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot, the 2009 Calon Segur is the most powerful and concentrated effort we have tasted from this estate in many years, possibly ever. There are notes of crème de cassis, pencil shavings, cut flowers, spice and a hint cedar. The palate is packed with dense fruit, blackcurrants, hedgerow fruit and crème de mure. For all its power, it hasn’t lost any of its grace. The tannins are silky smooth and the result is a picture of harmony and balance. A wonderful effort.