2004 Calon-Segur
By Chateau Calon-Segur
2004 Calon-Segur from Chateau Calon-Segur, St-Estephe, Bordeaux
The 2004 vintage from the venerated Chateau Calon-Segur distinguishes itself with a composed elegance that speaks of the terroir’s inherent strength, coupled with a climatic benevolence that year. It was a season both generous and challenging, tempering the fruit and refining the structure in an expression that would appeal to the contemplative connoisseur of St-Estephe’s offerings.
A Vintage Defined by Patience and Grace
The 2004 Calon-Segur exemplifies the character of a Bordeaux that has endured time’s caress with aplomb. Its bouquet has blossomed into an aromatic compendium of dark cherries and hints of cedar, a testament to the labour that surpassed nature's whims in 2004. The St-Estephe region’s already renowned for its powerful expressions, but this particular year added finesse to the fortitude.
Cultivating Investment Sophistication
Within the collector's realm, Chateau Calon-Segur's 2004 vintage has matured into a compelling investment grade asset. As this vintage age, it displays remarkable depth and balance that could only be cultivated under the watchful eye of St-Estephe’s experienced vintners. The patience bestowed on its maturation mirrors the prudence of astute wine investment strategies - a synergy much appreciated in circles where temporal grace translates into tangible rewards.
This epoch from Chateau Calon-Segur remains captivating; its tannins have evolved gracefully, lending a supple backbone to the vibrant, yet mature fruit notes. A remarkable freshness persists, suggesting potential for further cellar evolution. On the palate, it brings forth an intriguing dance of plums interlaced with earthy undertones, alluding to that year’s unique balance between sun and soil.
In sum, the allure of the 2004 Calon-Segur from Chateau Calon-Segur lies in its deft combination of resilience and sophistication. As an emblematic standard-bearer for St-Estephe, this vintage not only delights the senses but also exemplifies how a Bordeaux can mature into an investment piece with as much complexity as refinement in its flavour profile. For investors, it is an entrancing narrative—an opus—capturing Bordeaux’s timeless intrigue married to a specific year’s narrative.
Market price (HKD)
HK$8,830.00
12x75cl
Highest score
91
POP score
83.64
Scores and tasting notes
Lovely soft tannins with coffee and cedar with ripe fruit. China tea. Subtle. Cloves too. Full and round with beautiful fruit and a crisp finish. Very ready. At its peak.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, August 9th 2013
This classically-styled claret did not merit an outstanding rating because it lacks sufficient concentration to compete with the estate’s top vintages. However, it offers a dark ruby/plum color, nicely evolved notes of roasted herbs, sweet cherries and currants, and loamy earth, medium-weight, light to moderate tannin, and an elegant style. If it puts on weight over the next few years, it may deserve a slightly higher score. Anticipated maturity: now-2018.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 28 June 2007
A bottle served at the Chinese following the Calon vertical, this is your typical “chunky” Calon-Segur, the ones you come across in mediocre vintages. A deep garnet colour, the nose is intense with blackberry, bilberry, green peppers and charcoal – all rather unresolved at the moment. The palate is full-bodied with bold and brassy tannins, quite dry, a tangible green streak and lacking some flesh, but then again this is a Saint Estephe. There is a carefree attitude to this wine: you just take it as you find it and don’t make too much of a fuss, so I won’t apart from saying that I actually prefer this to the 2003. Drink 2012-2025. Tasted November 2008.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jan 2009