Classification:

Triosième Cru Classé, St.-Estèphe AC 

(Third-growth in 1855).

Average Production:

18,000 - 20,000 cases of grand vin each year.

Recent En-Primeur Prices:

2008 - Approx A$90 - $110

2007 - Approx A$100 - $120

2006 - Approx A$100 - $115

2005 - Approx A$150 - $175

2004 - Approx A$75 - $85

Overview:

In the 18th century, then-owner Marquis de Ségur, who owned numerous properties throughout the Médoc, stated “I make my wine at Lafite and Latour, but my heart is in Calon”.  Try a great vintage from this property and it is easy to see why!

The huge, stone-walled estate (unusual in Bordeaux) is located near the centre of the tiny village of St.-Estèphe, and is home to the formidable, non-English-speaking (but nonetheless thoroughly charming) Madame Gasqueton, who has run the estate since the death of her husband. 

During the last 20 or so years, Calon-Ségur has gone from strength to strength, and has recaptured its form and reputation from the first half of the 20th century.  It’s wines are undeniably built for long-term ageing, being structured, dense and powerful, yet they do retain a sense of elegance and balance, and recent vintages have added a greater degree of freshness.  They are generally very fairly-priced, and are amongst my personal favourites.

The Marquis’ heart remains at Calon, symbolised by the heart on the front label of the wine, and it is easy to see why.

Other wines:

A second-label, Marquis de Calon is produced each year (about 3,500 cases) from young vines and declassified fruit and wines.

Click here for tasting notes.

Vineyards:

Around 130 acres, or 53 hectares, of vineyards planted to 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, of an average age of nearly 40 years.

Winemaking:

The wine has a long fermentation in stainless steel tanks, and until last year aged for a year-and-a-half in oak, half new and half second-use.  However the wine now sees 20 months’ barrel ageing (and in 2009, in 100% new oak).  The wine is egg-white fined but bottled unfiltered (since 2006).

AVAILABLE NOW:

2009 - $145 per bottle.

Please note, this is sold on an ‘en-primeur’ basis with delivery expected mid-2012.

2005 - $220 per bottle.