Avis professionnels
Robert Parker (95)
94-96: The 2023 Calon-Ségur is another en primeur success for this resurgent Saint-Estèphe third growth. Wafting from the glass with aromas of cassis, pencil shavings, wild berries and plums, it's medium to full-bodied, cool and layered, with a deep and integrated core, terrific concentration, lively acids and refined structuring tannins, concluding with a long, penetrating finish. It's a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot that checks in at 14% alcohol.
James Suckling (97)
Intense, perfumed aromas of graphite, blackberries, blueberries and stones follow through to a medium body with dried spices, tobacco, dried flowers and thyme. Typical on the palate as well. Structured and linear, with super length and tension. 72% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot, 12% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. Give this four or five years.
Vinous (96)
The 2023 Calon Ségur is every bit as impressive as it was en primeur. Today, I find it a bit tight texturally, but that won't be an issue in time. Dark-toned fruit, lavender, dried herbs, licorice, menthol, gravel and chocolate are some of the notes that take shape in the glass. Cabernet Sauvignon is very much front and center. The 2023 is a wine of reserve; I won't be surprised if it is even better in a few years.
Jeb Dunnuck (95)
Checking in as a blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot aged 18 months in 60% new oak, the 2023 Château Calon Ségur is a big, fleshy, opulent style of Calon that shows the riper side of the vintage. Its deep purple hue is followed by black and blue fruits, smoky tobacco, loamy earth, and graphite on the nose. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has ripe, round tannins and considerable baby fat at this stage, which is rare for a 2023. Give bottles 4-5 years to gain some harmony and elegance, and it should see its 30th birthday in fine form.
