Marquis de Calon 2014 - Second vin du Château Calon Ségur

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

The restoration of the château, completed this spring, perfectly complements that of the winery and the modernization of the vineyard, restoring the property to its expected status as the town's stately estate, majestically enclosed within its walls. A highly skilled team is making the most of this exceptional terroir, now producing wines on a par with a premier grand cru classé. The estate belonged to the Capbern-Gasqueton family for over a century, and since 2012 it has been owned by the insurance company Suravenir. Even more so than the second wine, Marquis de Calon, the Capbern estate, produced from vines outside the walls of the clos, offers a Saint-Estèphe with exceptional value for money.

Guide Hachette des vins

About wine:

In the second wine, the proportion of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is reversed, as is often the case. The former, which generally ripens earlier, takes precedence over the latter. Although it lacks the power of its elder, this wine is very pleasant with its elegant fruity and woody bouquet and a lovely structure of mellow tannins.

About the estate:

A noble house bearing the name of the parish of Saint-Estèphe in the Middle Ages (Calones), this cru is one of the oldest in the region. Between 1659 and 1681, it passed into the hands of the Ségur family, who developed this vineyard to which they were very attached: "I make wine at Lafite and Latour, but my heart is at Calon," said Nicolas-Alexandre. Backing onto the village of Saint-Estèphe, the vineyard, in a single block, entirely enclosed by a wall, covers 55 hectares, the same area as in the 1855 classification, planted on a thick layer of gravel resting on clay. Owned by the Gasqueton family from 1894 to 2012, Calon now belongs to Suravenir, a subsidiary of the Crédit Mutuel group, which has embarked on a major renovation program, including the construction of a new vat room.

Guide des Vins Gault & Millau

About wine:

Black fruits (blackberry), a treat for the palate with a structured, straightforward flavor and firm, structured tannins. A deliberately charming and smooth Marquis, yet retaining the austerity of the terroir.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

Acquired in 2012 after the death of Denise Gasqueton by the Suravenir insurance group, Calon-Ségur now has its sights set high and is investing heavily in achieving its goals. The estate, blessed with exceptional terroir, has proven in the past that it is capable of producing wines that rank among the greatest Médocs. Very tight, firm and slow to develop, at their best they possess an extraordinary density and elegance, which is beginning to be found in the latest vintages. Vincent Millet, who came from Château Margaux, has been the technical director since 2006. His mission is to improve the quality of the wine by adopting a blending approach that is much more Cabernet Sauvignon-oriented. Given the highly successful recent vintages, Calon-Ségur is now establishing itself as one of the most interesting brands in the Médoc. As a result, demand continues to grow.

Vinous

James Suckling

About wine:

Aromas of blackberries, mushrooms, and flowers linger with round, juicy tannins and a savory finish. Like notes of bitter orange. Drink from 2020 onwards.

Le Figaro vins

About wine:

The second wine of Calon-Ségur is a very Merlot-dominated wine (64%), which gives it richness and power. 14.7% ABV. A delicious wine, but with imposing tannins that will need to refine.