Tasted ex-château and single blind in Southwold. This is a great Calon Segur from the late Mme Gasqueton, surpassing my appraisal in October 2010. The nose is delectable: very lifted perfume, well defined with crisp black fruit, cassis, tobacco and a touch of gravel. Very Saint Estephe. The palate is medium-bodied with an almost understated, very elegant entry that builds nicely towards a very well defined, classy finish. There is very high quality fruit and winemaking in evidence. Tasted January 2012.

(90-92 pts)
En primeur barrel sample. Based upon 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, this has a deep garnet core. The nose has a distinct earthiness to it. Blackberry, a touch of pain grille and black pepper. A little rustic but charming. The palate is full-bodied, firm tannins, quite spicy and lively, blackberry, a touch of raspberry coulis and wild strawberry. Firm grip, masculine as always. Fresh with a touch of soy towards the bitter “chunky” finish. Quintessential Calon. Tasted March 2009.

A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, this is an outstanding wine made in a classic style. The tannins are high, but the wine possesses abundant notes of cedar, licorice, underbrush, black currants and cherries. Medium-bodied and dense, but structured and backward (as are most vintages of Calon-Segur), give it 7-8 years of cellaring and drink it over the next 20-25.
90 Pts, Robert Parker Wine Advocate # 194, May 2011

Perhaps that explains the elegant, but rich style of the 2008 Calon Segur, which is dominated more than usual by Cabernet Sauvignon. Cropped at 40 hectoliters per hectare, it is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot. Its sweet perfume of black currants, tobacco leaf, and licorice is followed by a wine with superb purity, good freshness, and a full-bodied style with ripe tannin as well as a long finish. Somewhat reminiscent of the 1996, although this vintage carries a much higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2008 should be relatively approachable given the sweetness of the tannins, and will evolve for 20-25 years.
90-93 Pts, Robert Parker Wine Advocate # 182, Apr 2009