Le Marquis de Calon Ségur 2023

This year with Merlot from parcels of the Grand Vin; restrained, quiet, yet with drive and tension, well‑judged tannins, immensely charming, long. A lot of wine for the money.

Dark fragrance on the nose. A little tight, but it also has an ease about it, with density to the grippy tannins that have a fruity, fleshy aspect as well as a clear wet-stone, slate minerality that lingers on the tongue. A little firm on the finish, but still structured and polished, with a juicy, mouthwatering red-cherry core. It will be nice to taste it once it calms. Not so long, but there’s nice character here nonetheless. 3.6 pH. Aged 17 months, 30% new. 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend.

Silky, rich and grippy tannins, with real power underneath, delivers push and pull, plenty of character to keep track of, exuberant and full of joy. A one point upscore and I really feel the appellation signature now in bottle. 3.6ph, 45hl/h yield. 30% new oak for ageing.

Score: 91–93. With restrained opulence, the nose tells of black fruits and iris in an elegant bouquet, supported by mineral, almost chalky notes. Concentrated and finely detailed, the palate is pure silk velvet, with freshness and tension, and very juicy substance. Sumptuous.

The elegance and brilliance of Marquis de Calon’s bouquet speak to a confidence and serenity worthy of praise! The wine is clearly happy to be here. It can rely on the subtlety and charm of its aromatics. Dense from the first sip, it unfolds with elegance and breadth. It has muscle, fleshy tannins, and a palate expression perfectly lifted by the vigor and freshness on display. A harbinger of a wine that paves the way for the grand vin, eyeing it with a certain defiance. It’s not here by default, but by conviction—and to prepare the ground! An elegant, vigorous, and accomplished Marquis de Calon!

This has a slightly firm frame of chalk and wet earth guiding a core of lightly steeped black currant and black cherry fruit along. Hints of chestnut and leather enter on the back end, lending a pleasant rusticity. For fans of the style. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2027 through 2037. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.

It had earned “my highest score ever given to this wine en primeur”, and it’s confirmed. Deep, almost black colour. Intense nose, beautifully scented with ripe fruit. Creamy and spicy nuances (cardamom) when the glass is swirled. Precise on the attack, very aromatic on the mid-palate and juicy, the wine unfolds with a noble progression and a rounded profile. An appealing, delicious whole. The best ever made! Bravo!

The 2023 Le Marquis de Calon Ségur has a mixture of red and black fruit on the nose, clean and precise, classic in style with estuarine/briny scents in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins but there is still a firm backbone to this Deuxième Vin, and it gently fans out on the graphite-tinged finish. One of the best Le Marquis in recent years.

Creamy, soft, lush, and polished, the wine, with its vibrant waves of black, and red berries taste as good as they feel. As the fruit lingers, the wine expands and intensifies. There is a good length, loads of clean, ripe, fruits, and a minty, refreshing edge to the finish. You can enjoy this on release, but its best days are yet to come. The wine is a blend of 50% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2027-2040.