2008 Calon-Segur
By Chateau Calon-Segur
2008 Calon-Segur from Chateau Calon-Segur, St-Estephe, Bordeaux
In the pantheon of Bordeaux’s illustrious wines, certain vintages rise above their legendary terroir with a narrative uniquely their own. This is certainly the case for the 2008 Calon-Segur from Chateau Calon-Segur, a vintage that eloquently expresses the resilience and splendour of St-Estephe amidst a year that proved challenging in Bordeaux.
Distinct Character of a Defiant Vintage
The story of 2008 in Bordeaux is one of triumph over tribulation, as winemakers grappled with capricious weather conditions that demanded an exceptional degree of finesse and perseverance. The harvest, delayed until October, was met with an auspicious change in fortune—a spell of warm, dry weather—that allowed for maturity and depth to finetune the grapes’ profile. The meticulous care and astute judgement demonstrated by Chateau Calon-Segur tempered the vagaries of nature to produce a wine of noble structure and sophistication.
Investment Merits and Sensorial Pleasures Interwine
The 2008 Calon-Segur from Chateau Calon-Segur navigates through this narrative with a spotlight on the prowess exhibited by St-Estephe's soils in this particular year. The wine unfurls with restraint, revealing layers of dark berry fruits interlaced with earthy undertones and wisps of cedar—the nose is both inviting and complex. The palate offers an elegant framework, displaying well-integrated tannins that speak to the skillful aging potential, while ensconcing delicate hints of spice and licorice notes that render each sip resoundingly memorable.
As an investment piece, it articulates its story not only through its tasteful bottling but as a member of one’s portfolio; it stands tall among other St-Estephe offerings due to its idiosyncratic provenance from this formidable year. Its allure lies as much in its flavour profile as in its stature among collectors and connoisseurs seeking wines emblematic of history overcome and mastered.
Embarking on a Journey with the 2008 Calon-Segur
Capturing the essence of the St-Estephe terroir laced with the trials and ultimate triumphs of 2008, this vintage offers deep value not just in taste but as an intellectual pursuit within one's wine investment journey. It not only appeals to those who seek to uncover and possess storied vintages but also holds promise for those looking to diversify their collections with vintages illustrative of Bordeaux's dynamic range. A tasteful asset in every sense—the 2008 Calon-Segur from Chateau Calon-Segur remains an indisputable touchstone for enthusiasts desiring to experience and invest in the tapestry of Bordeaux’s vinous history.
Market price (GBP)
£940.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
67.14
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted ex-chateau and single blind in Southwold. This is a great Calon Segur from the late Mme Gasqueton, surpassing my appraisal in October 2010. The nose is delectable: very lifted perfume, well defined with crisp black fruit, cassis, tobacco and a touch of gravel. Very Saint Estephe. The palate is medium-bodied with an almost understated, very elegant entry that builds nicely towards a very well defined, classy finish. There is very high quality fruit and winemaking in evidence. Tasted January 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Mar 2012
A solid red, with plum, spices and cedar character on the nose and palate. Coffee too. Full and dense, with a long finish. Solid red here. Superb for the appellation. Best after 2013.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, December 20th 2010
Tasted from an ex-château bottle at BI Wine & Spirits Calon-Segur dinner in London. I praised the 2008 Calon Segur when I tasted it blind in 2012 and I have no reason to change my opinion three years later. Here it has a surprisingly deep hue for a 2008. The nose is very detailed and lively, more breezy and carefree than the 2009 with vivacious blackberry, cedar and graphite scents. The palate is medium-bodied and slightly brittle in texture on the entry. The acidity is beautifully judged here with superb balance: smooth and harmonious, though it just tapers in towards the edgy, maybe angular finish. This has a sense of joie-de-vivre perhaps not common in Calon-Ségur's wines. It is one of the best Left Bank wines in 2008 and given its price, one of its best values. Tasted March 2015.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 October 2016
A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, this is an outstanding wine made in a classic style. The tannins are high, but the wine possesses abundant notes of cedar, licorice, underbrush, black currants and cherries. Medium-bodied and dense, but structured and backward (as are most vintages of Calon-Segur), give it 7-8 years of cellaring and drink it over the next 20-25.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #194