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Calon Segur 2011

St Estephe, Third Growth

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Tasting Notes

Its bigger sister, the well-made 2011 Calon Segur boasts a dense ruby/purple color, sweet cassis and black cherry fruit intermixed with hints of earth, oak and spice, medium body, moderate tannin, a pure mouthfeel and a long finish. Give it 3-4 years of bottle age and enjoy it over the next 10-15 years.

Score: 90

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2017-2032 01 April 2014

The great Madame Denise Gasqueton, a Bordeaux icon whom I always visited early in the morning (8:15 a.m. for nearly 20 consecutive years), passed away on the first day of the 2011 harvest. The 2011 Calon-Segur is a fitting tribute to her extraordinary passion and love for this fabulous estate in the northern sector of St.-Estephe. A very strong effort (this property was untouched by the hail storm that swept through the area on September 1), it boasts an opaque purple color as well as surprisingly sweet tannin and abundant quantities of black cherry, black currant and dusty, loamy scents. Medium to full-bodied with beautifully integrated tannins and sensational purity and length, this super effort is a wonderful homage to the memory of Madame Gasqueton. Moreover, it is potentially one of the longest-lived wines of the vintage and should drink well for 25 or more years.

Score: 92 - 94

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2012-2037 27 April 2012

A blend 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot and this includes the vin de presse. It has a refined bouquet of dark berries, wild hedgerow and a touch of rose petals, and seems lighter than the 2009 or 2010, although it displays fine delineation and sense of femininity. The palate is medium-bodied with a pleasing, rounded entry where the Merlot neatly fleshes out the Cabernet. It is not a complex Calon Segur, neither does it possess the spine-tingling backbone and tension of the 2010. But is has a satisfying purity and a lovely smooth, silky texture towards the finish and a minerally aftertaste that lingers longer than I expected. This may merit a higher score after bottling. Tasted April 2012.

Score: 90 - 92

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 30 April 2012

Wonderful purity and elegance. Fresh, fragrant and long with fine, silky tannins. Less opulence than the 2010 but analytically the same.

Score: 18

Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2020-2035 16 April 2012

We tasted this before the second wine, the Marquis de Calon. 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot. Harvest ended on 21 September, which is usually when they start, but he wanted to retain the freshness of the fruit. Very careful and laborious selection from among the 200 different lots of press wine, 80-90% of which was Cabernet. 50% went into the grand vin. Rich, deep glowing cherry crimson. Lightly dusty but sweet and fragrant cassis. Just a touch of cedary freshness. Deep and smoothly textured and with an elegant overlay of freshness. No dry tannins here. Scented on the mid palate. Delicate, not typically St-Estèphe. Lively and full of fresh energy. Cool August brought delicacy and aromatic power to the Cabernet Sauvignon. Tender and fresh on the finish. So drinkable. Finesse and freshness all round. (JH) 13.3%

Score: 17 - 18

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2018-2035 16 April 2012

The started picking at Calon on the 3rd September with the Merlot. 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. This is well done and reminds me of the 1996 at this stage, which was excellent. Pretty aromas of spices, berry and earth follow through to a full body, with firm and silky tannins and a juicy finish. Very fresh.

Score: 91 - 92

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 01 April 2012