Le Marquis de Calon Ségur 2021

Of a particularly classic style, with especially fine-grained tannins and good length; a stylish second wine.

Reveals an austere edge to the mix of damson plum, chalk and dried rose petal notes, delivering dashes of tobacco and cedar on the finish. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2030. 9,500 cases made.

Sweet currant and black currant with violet undertones. Medium-bodied with fine, caressing tannins that carry nicely through the finish. Slightly hollow mid-palate but it will fill in nicely. Second wine of Calon Segur. A year or two will open this nicely. Drink from the end of 2024 onward.

Dark ruby core with purple reflections, subtle ochre rim. Delicate aromas of cassis and red heart cherries, with hints of tobacco and fresh tangerine zest. Medium-bodied with bright red cherries on the fresh palate, ripe fruit sweetness, impressively woven tannins, already showing good integration and will be great with food.

The second wine of this great château, the 2021 Le Marquis de Calon Ségur offers ample cassis, spicy herbs, cedar, and tobacco notes in a medium-bodied, ripe, charming style that carries fine tannins and outstanding length. It’s already impossible to resist (as are many 2021s) yet should easily evolve for 10–15 years in cold cellars.

Le Marquis de Calon Segur 2021 is deep garnet-purple in color. It flows effortlessly from the glass with notes of black and red cherries and juicy plums, with touches of tilled soil and dried herbs. Medium-bodied, the palate is plush, with compelling red berry flavors and plenty of freshness, finishing with a peppery lift.

Rich and pure on the nose, with majestic notes of red fruits and some sappy, floral aromas. Wonderfully harmonious on the palate, with an incredible texture that settles delicately on the tongue before flowing down both sides like a silk sheet, soft and smooth. A marvel that concludes with a very sophisticated finish.

If Marquis de Calon Ségur does share something with the grand vin, it’s the notion of finesse! It reveals itself in a measured, precise way, with a good symbiosis between freshness and fruit. On the palate, the wine may be more delicate, less firm than usual, but it is well supported by austere tannins on the finish. This has the effect of energising the finish and sustaining the aromatics, though a bit more plushness would be welcome; I think the élevage still needs to integrate at the level of the finish.

Deep, intense, vibrant color. An intense nose with ripe fruit aromas. On the palate, a melting—almost airy—body, developing into a juicy, silky texture, leading to a vanilla-tinged finish with no harsh tannic edge. Goes down effortlessly.

Black cherries, licorice, spice, and smoky mint aromas hit the perfume. The wine is medium-bodied, soft, vibrant, fresh, and energetic with a savory, earthy, herbal-edged cherry tone that stays with you from the mid-palate through to the finish. This will be easy to enjoy on release, and for over the next decade. The wine is a blend of 58% Merlot and 42% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink from 2024-2035.

This second-label wine is a fine reflection of the estate. It is rich, with beautiful tannins and a creamy texture that has soft and generous blackberry fruits. Drink from 2028.

The 2021 Le Marquis de Calon Ségur, which was bottled June 2023, has dispensed with that Right Bank allure it hinted at out of barrel. Now in bottle, this is firmly in the Northern Médoc, with blackcurrant, loam and just a light scent of pine. The oak is neatly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with just a touch of greenness on the entry, which I really like. There is a freshness and vibrancy to this Deuxième Vin that really comes through, showing a lovely granular texture and a hint of brine on the finish. This has kicked on nicely during its time in barrel and comes recommended.