CHÂTEAU CALON SÉGUR

The 2014 Calon Ségur is a real show-stopper. Unusually ripe, powerful and seductive, the wine exudes class. Myriad shades of plum, sweet red cherry, pomegranate, spice and blood orange are all on display. Wild flowers, tobacco and host of more aromatic notes develop in the glass. Above all else, though, the 2014 is a wine of pure power and breadth. This is yet another fabulous showing for the 2014 Calon Ségur, a wine that vies for top honors in this vintage. Don't miss it. The blend is 67 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 19 % Merlot, 15 % Cabernet Franc and 2 % Petit Verdot. Drinking range: 2024 - 2054 Rating: 96+ Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Feb 2017)

On the darker side of the spectrum, with dark currant, plum and blackberry fruit, inlaid with ample dried bay and tobacco notes. Pepper and charcoal details fill in the finish, adding range and energy. A touch sauvage in style, this will have fans for sure. Drinking range: 2020 - 2030 Rating: 93 James Molesworth, The Wine Spectator (Jan 2017)

The Château Calon-Ségur 2014 is a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 19% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot cropped at 41hl/ha and aged in 100% new oak for what is intended to be 20 months. The alcohol comes in at 13.8%, which would have been higher if more Merlot had been retained. The first impression is one of the oak because coming straight after the Montrose '14 (élevage in 60% new oak) the wood element is more pronounced here. It is relatively opulent and high-toned compared to its Saint Estèphe counterparts, developing floral scents with time but never quite extricating itself from the winemaking. The palate is medium-bodied with quite firm tannin that lend this more chewiness than either Montrose or Cos d'Estournel. There is a lot of backbone to this wine, well focused with a good line of acidity, but again, I believe a more moderate use of new oak would have allowed the terroir to be expressed in what is a terroir-driven vintage. It is an impressive, you could almost say ambitious Calon Ségur, though I am seeking more personality via the terroir to be articulated. Tasted three times with consistent notes. Drinking range: 2020 - 2040 Rating: 91-93 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2015)

Big, meaty nose and more richness than expected but very silky on the palate. A superb combination of delicacy and power - almost Burgundian compared to Cos and Montrose. Such vineyard depth and balance! (Outstanding St-Estèphe, Decanter.) Drinking range: 2019 - 2035 Rating: 95 Steven Spurrier (Apr 2015)

The 2014 Calon Ségur is silky, polished and exceptionally beautiful. Freshly cut flowers, mint, dark berries and sage are some of the notes that are pushed forward in a sweet, unctuous St. Estèphe endowed with tons of class and personality. Raspberry jam and crushed flowers add further shades of nuance. The 2014 captures a deeply intriguing blend of lifted aromatics, super-ripe, fruit, pulsating energy and polished tannins. Persistent and impeccably balanced throughout, the 2014 Calon Ségur is without question one of the wines of the vintage. The refined finish alone is striking. In 2014, the blend is 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Calon Ségur remains one of the few classified growths the average consumer can still afford to buy by the case. As such, it is likely to be one of the very best wines readers will find for the money. Don't miss it Rating: 93-96 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2015)

Vibrant dark crimson. Very dense and not that communicative on the nose. But very impressive density, silky texture and refinement. Classic focused stuff with drive. Sufficiently ripe but not at all sweet. Long and truly St-Estèphe. Lots of energy here. Though it certainly isn’t opulent! Lots of tannins and St-Estèphe stoniness on the end. Pretty drying end. Less charm than Capbern but lots more classicism. Just cuts off a little suddenly (perhaps because of those younger vines). 13.8% Drinking range: 2024 - 2040 Rating: 17++ Jancis Robinson OBE MW - www.JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2015)

The nose is firm the palate has depth brooding black fruits cassis and black cherry. Richer in the middle sweetness suppleness the richness of black cherry is backed by slightly fresher blackcurrant. There is the feel of balance and harmony the ripeness on the back palate giving way to fragrant freshness on the finish. Drinking range: 2027 - 2040 Rating: 89-93 Derek Smedley MW, www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk (Apr 2015)

By the very high standards of this château, which is often among my favourites, this is a slight disappointment, or rather was when I tasted it. The 100% new oak that has been used since 2009 on the grand vin seemed a little intrusive, adding tannin to a wine that is already pretty firm. Give it time. Drinking range: 2020 - 2032 Rating: 93 Tim Atkin MW, www.timatkin.com (Apr 2015)

This has a wonderful density and a velvety texture with so much fruit and richness. Full body, fine tannins and wonderful length. Gorgeous. Rating: 93-94 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Mar 2015)