The 2003 Calon Segur was the winning bottle in the September installment of Pick My Next Bottle.
Chateau Calon Segur is one of the oldest estates in Saint Estephe dating back to 1147. In 1894 its vineyards were purchased by Georges Gasqueton and Charles Hanappier. The Gasqueton family managed the estate until 2012. In July of 2012 Chateau Calon Segur was sold for 170 million Euros to the French Insurance Company, Suravenir Insurance. Jean-Pierre Moueix , the owner of Petrus and the massive negociant company Duclot, took a minority stake in Chateau Calon Segur.
This bottle was decanted for one hour and served with pasta.
Crimson in color. 13% ABV. Stunning nose of red fruits, cigar box, graphite and cedar. Medium body with ample acidity. There is a nice core of upfront fruits. Currants, plums, tobacco and earth on the palate. The finish is long and supple with an abundance of drying tannins. Although this wine does not show any of the roasted characteristics sometimes associated with the vintage it lacks the structure and concentration to cellar much longer. Best over the next 2-4 years.
My rating: 90 points.
The 2020 vintage is available now for about $140 and should be glorious.