1996 Calon-Segur
By Chateau Calon-Segur
1996 Calon-Segur from Chateau Calon-Segur, St-Estephe, Bordeaux
In the world of fine Bordeaux, the name of Chateau Calon-Segur resonates with deep historical reverence. The 1996 vintage from this heralded estate emerges as a beacon of classicism amidst the backdrop of a thoroughly exceptional year in St-Estephe.
The Quintessence of Terroir: Exemplified
The heralded 1996 vintage was particularly kind to the Left Bank, where an auspicious spring bestowed the essential beginnings for what would mature into a harmonious blend of power and finesse. Chateau Calon-Segur, with its options open, exacted a wine well-tailored to age, displaying an exhilarating tension between vigorous tannins and a refreshing acidity – a paradigmatic offspring of its graveled beds.
At Its Peak: A Vintage Maturing with Grace
Observing this 1996 Calon-Segur twenty-seven years post-harvest is akin to attending a masterclass in aged Medoc wines. The once robust tannic structure has mellowed, now framing the seamless interplay of dark berry fruitiness with the earthy truffle and tobacco notes – signatures that so eloquently pronounce the prosperous marriage between Cabernet Sauvignon and the terroir of St-Estephe.
On the palate, depth does not concede to overwhelming weight; it dances lightly, highlighting lineage without sacrificing surprise. Savouring each sip reveals layers akin to discovering chapters of a storied provenance; each taste deciphering parts of this intricate puzzle.
Investment-Worthy Elegance
Now finding a comfortable stride in its maturity curve, this is one for fine wine investors looking beyond mere acquisition towards personal legacy. Each bottle encapsulates an era; not only this St-Estephe's quintessence but also representing nuanced iterations peculiar to the year's climatic ballet.
Let the astute collector note: this well-structured and complex example of 1996 Calon-Segur offers not merely investment potential but also an addition to curated collections that serve as testament to the artistry achievable in favourable Bordeaux years.
Conclusion: An Honoured Place in History
Ultimately, as one considers the pantheon of standout Bordeaux vintages, it is wines like the 1996 Calon-Segur from Chateau Calon-Segur that reinforce why such years are held in high regard by connoisseurs and historians alike. A benchmark for both its own annals and for those discerning investors seeking a profound vintage, it holds its place in the echelons of vinous allure with graceful assurance.
Market price (GBP)
£1,360.00
12x75cl
Highest score
92
POP score
113.33
Scores and tasting notes
he 1996 may not be as profound as I had predicted from cask, but it is an exceptional wine. Dark ruby-colored, with a complex nose of dried herbs, Asian spices, and black cherry jam intermixed with cassis, it possesses outstanding purity, and considerable tannin in the finish. This classic, medium to full-bodied, traditionally made wine improves dramatically with airing, suggesting it will have a very long life. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2028.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #122
Surprisingly, this is showing more maturity on the rim than the 1995 Calon-Segur. Contradicting the preconceived style of the vintage, the bouquet has more femininity than the '95, good lift with freshly rolled tobacco, autumn leaves/November bonfire, a touch of espresso. Moving firmly into secondary aromas with hints of bell pepper. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, very harmonious, a slight softness counterbalancing the smoky, graphite-tinged black dusty fruits. Good length, perhaps just lacking a little grip right on the leafy finish. But a very good wine for the vintage
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jan 2009
Tasted at the château, the 1996 Calon Segur is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. This was always a feted wine in its youth by Robert Parker and myself. Now at 20 years of age there is fine delineation on the nose with more detail than the 1986 tasted alongside. The oak is a little more present here (50% in this vintage) married with plenty of redcurrant, cedar, loam and undergrowth aromas. These aromatics can develop further. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannin on the entry, perhaps one of the most youthful and backward of the 1996s that I tasted during my visits. It feels firm in the mouth, masculine, very Saint Estèphe. To critique this wine, the oak is not quite knitted to the fruit as much as it should after two decades (something that has been addressed now). It is an enjoyable Calon-Segur if not quite matching up to my admittedly high expectations. Tasted July 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 October 2016