2011 Chateau Calon-Segur, Saint-Estephe, Bottle (750ml)

DR95 "This is from a precocious vintage, with a harvest beginning on September 3, the very day the estate’s longtime owner, the redoubtable Madame Gasqueton, passed away. The nose remains a bit closed, but with airing seductive spices combine with notes of high-toned blackberry and caramel. The wine is more expressive on the palate thanks to a juicy, fleshy structure girded by elegant tannins and to a delicate touch of oak. The underlying acidity so characteristic of Calon Ségur brings added elan, leading to the graceful, airborne finish." YC for DR Nov 2021

JA94 "A wine that stayed closed for a long time but is now starting to open. It was an early vintage in St-Estèphe, because there was a hail storm in early September and many estates had to pick to avoid rot. This is not trying too hard and has clearly worked with the vintage - it is full of interest, sappy fruit and charm, combining the most gorgeous smoky feel with cool blue fruit. It needs a lot of oxygen so give it time in a decanter if you are drinking soon. This was made in the older cellar before the renovations that came with the new owners in 2012, so less plot-by-plot vinification but most of the investment since this time has been in the vineyard. They have done a great job in both Capbern and Calon Ségur. Then owner Madame Gasqueton died on the first day of harvest, and while the grapes were still coming in there was huge procession organised from the château to the church and cemetery of St-Estèphe" JA for DR Feb 2021