Chateau Calon Segur, Marquis de Calon, 2016

ABOUT THE WINE. The beloved heart on Château Calon Ségur’s label nods to the estate’s long history, dating back to 1147 and later stewarded by Nicolas-Alexandre de Ségur—“I make my wine at Lafite and Latour, but my heart is in Calon.” Le Marquis de Calon Ségur 2016 is the château’s second wine, crafted for earlier pleasure while reflecting the precision of the Grand Vin. A blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, it was matured for 17 months in 30% new French oak (bottled June 2018), emphasising supple fruit, floral lift and Saint-Estèphe finesse.. TASTING NOTES. Succulent and poised, with raspberry jam, blackcurrant and blackberry layered over mocha, dark chocolate and cedar. Hints of violet, white flowers, blood orange, cinnamon and tobacco add complexity. The palate is medium to full-bodied with fine-grained tannins, a keen, lively acidity and a perfumed, long finish. Irresistible now after a brief decant, yet balanced to drink beautifully over the next decade.. FOOD PAIRING. A versatile claret for the table: roast lamb with rosemary, grilled rib-eye, duck breast with cherries, mushroom and truffle risotto, or aged hard cheeses like Comté and Cheddar.. FRIARWOOD SAYS. A deeply impressive second wine that captures the charm of the ripe Merlot and the structure of Cabernet in this excellent Left Bank vintage. Critics agree—93 (Galloni), 93 (Suckling), 91 (Neal Martin), 90 (Wine Advocate)—and we find it ready to enjoy now with the stuffing to age gracefully to ~2030.