2009 Ch. Calon Ségur, St. Estèphe

A pretty nose of raspberry and blackcurrant coulis leads to an elegant palate of fresh bramble fruit and black cherries. Calon-Segur is not a powerful wine in 2009 but it is sophisticated with fine, gentle tannins and a twist of sweet spice on the finish.Château Calon-Ségur

Usually in the shadow of its sister property, Grand-Puy-Lacoste ( here with the exact samescore ) , this is more expressive than usual . The nose is opulent and inviting , but what follows is a model of elegance , with tannins , acidity and fruit seamlessly interwoven.
(Alun Griffiths MW, Wine Director) Château Calon-Ségur

The finesse of the tannins was noticeable , albeit totally absorbed by the glorious weight of fruit . There are layers of flavour and texture , and a beguiling combination of elegance and power , with an unusually high amount of Cabernet providing fine structure.
Alun Griffiths MW, Wine DirectorChâteau Calon-Ségur

Dense, very Cabernet (90%) nose of red/black berry fruits, great freshness, purity and length, a beautifully made, truly aristocratic wine.
(Steven Spurrier - Decanter - Apr 2010)

Dark crimson. Wonderful electric vitality on the nose. Great vibrancy. Great integrity in the same way as Pontet-Canet is seamless right through the palate – great line. Pure and dense and polished. Really vibrant. Lovely minerality on the finish. Complete.
(Jancis Robinson MW - jancisrobinson.com - Apr 2010)

The 2009 has the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon (90%) ever included in a Calon-Segur (the rest is Merlot and Petit Verdot). Completely different from its St.-Estephe brethren, it is more backward and structured with a dense purple color, lots of black cherry, black currant, loamy earth, forest floor and spice notes, excruciatingly high levels of tannin, and a wonderful inner core of sweetness and concentration.

It could behave like the 1982, which, at age 30, is just becoming mature. The 2009 is an uncompromising, masculine, massive style of wine that needs 15-20 years of cellaring even in this luscious, flashy, flamboyant vintage. It is super-tight and needs lots of coaxing and aeration. Anticipated maturity: 2025-2050+.

Sadly, Madame Gasqueton, one of the great grands dames of Bordeaux, passed away recently. She was a no nonsense, always gracious lady who normally received me early in the morning, sometimes before the sun had even risen. I have many fond memories of her for her professionalism and her talent in making long-lived, traditional Bordeaux.
(Robert Parker - Wine Advocate - Feb 2012)

Delivers gorgeous aromas of blackberry, blueberry and licorice, with hints of tobacco and spice. Full-bodied, offering a lovely texture and refinement. Very long and beautiful, with tangy acidity and lively fruit. A rich, yet very balanced, Calon. This is almost all Cabernet Sauvignon instead of the normal blend with 40 percent Merlot. The château is now using 100 percent new wood. I like the changes.
(James Suckling - Wine Spectator - March 2010)