2022, Le Marquis de Calon Ségur, SAINT-ESTÈPHE

Bordeaux Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc

One of several over-performing second wines in this vintage is the 2022 Le Marquis de Calon-Ségur, a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and seamless Saint-Estèphe redolent of minty berries, liquorice and rose petals. Lively and penetrating, it punches above its weight. 91-93 William Kelley, Wine Advocate.

Rich and vibrant on the nose. Crisp and clean on the palate however with bite to the cherry, plum and blackcurrant fruit alongside a hint of sweet strawberry and herbal raspberry on the mid palate that gives some instant energy before the clear concentration and heft of the wine shows though. Not so much in the texture but in the ripe flavours, cool minty and stone edged tannins and clear liquorice and clove spice. Still taut but detailed with elements of generosity. 90 Georgina Hindle, Decanter.

Violet reflections, dense fully ripe berries, tannins just the right side of constricting, with black berry, spiced plums, fresh almonds and smoked earth. 26hl/h yields. No pumping over here, and since 2021 they have been making greater use of fractions of press wine during blending. 90 Jane Anson.

Drinking Window: 2026 - 2040