Calon Ségur features in the famous 1855 classification as a Third Growth and is located in the commune of St-Estephe.
Fifty-five hectares (136 acres) at the time of the 1855 classification, fifty-five hectares today: the walled vineyard of Calon Ségur is a rare example of consistency of terroir throughout the centuries. Behind the thick stoned wall, the single block of vines stretches around the Chartreuse with the eternal parcels of L’Enclos right at its feet. For the specialists, this is historical heritage.
Calon Ségur is unique since its terroir resembles no other. While its altitude doesn’t go above 13 metres, its relief is sharp, and its slopes favour good rainwater drainage. In each area of the vineyard, the gravel layers deposited by the river during the quaternary era are thick and cover a largely clay sub-soil. The top-soil is made up of a thin layer of clay of lacustrine origin. This combination of gravels and clay, among other factors, explains the power and finesse of the wines of Calon Ségur. The vineyard is formed by three gravel outcrops that protrude towards the estuary as far as a small chapel. It is said that one should sit down here, watch the ships go by on their way to the sea and feel the sun-drenched pebbles beneath one's feet to understand what is being played out here.
The Grand Vin of Calon Ségur mirrors its terroir. It is rare, authentic and stirs the soul. In the most natural way, it reveals both great delicacy and outstanding intensity. All the magic of Calon is in this balance. The wine is aged in new oak barrels for 20 months, the tannins of the oak integrating harmoniously over time with the tannins of the grapes. The style is brought by a Cabernet Sauvignon which expresses its finesse without arrogance. Elegance is to be found everywhere, in the purity of the wine's flavours, in the delicacy of its texture, while its depth and length are also superb. The wine's extraordinary ability to age many years in bottle is another feature of the estate. The 1947, 1953 and 1982 vintages, by way of example, still display astonishing signs of youth.
Le Marquis de Calon Segur is the estate's Second Wine offers a different interpretation of the Calon terroir. With an average of 75% Merlot in the blends, Le Marquis de Calon Ségur is totally distinct from the First Wine. “It benefits from a true expression of its own”, underlines Vincent Millet. “The plots are separated out from the beginning.” Le Marquis de Calon Ségur provides immediate enjoyment, warmth and a velvety texture. It is carefully aged generally for 17 months in oak barrels, a third of which are new. Deliciously easy-drinking, silky and expressive, its charm comes to the fore, while at the same time bringing to our minds the elegance of the Grand Vin.
Saint-Estephe de Calon Segur is the third wine which exhibits a freshness and fruitiness geared for immediate enjoyment. It is mainly sourced from the estate's young vines with a balanced blend made up of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
