2006 Calon-Segur
By Chateau Calon-Segur
2006 Calon-Segur from Chateau Calon-Segur, St-Estephe, Bordeaux
The 2006 vintage in Bordeaux was characterised by a challenging climatic duality, which ultimately crafted wines with distinctive personalities. Amid this scenario, the 2006 Calon-Segur from Chateau Calon-Segur emerged as a testament to the resilience and finesse of St-Estephe’s terroir.
Elegance in Complexity: The Mark of St-Estephe
This particular harvest navigated an initial cool spring that led into a heated summer, only to be juxtaposed by an unseasonably damp September. It was a year that demanded astute judgement and patience from vignerons; qualities that the team at Chateau Calon-Segur possess in abundance. Their assiduous efforts during these testing times culminated in a wine that encapsulates the robust structure and aromatic elegance emblematic of an exceptional St-Estephe.
A Vintage Gilded by Time
With age, the 2006 Calon-Segur has unraveled layers of complexity, offering investors a rich tapestry of flavours. Upon decanting, one is greeted with a bouquet where dark fruit nuances intertwine with poised earthy tones and a whisper of spice. On the palate, this vintage reveals a symphony of mature blackcurrant and cedar, layered over subtle tannins that have softened beautifully over time. The finish resonates with a harmonious balance between acidity and depth—a feature that keen collectors will appreciate.
As it stands now, the 2006 offering from Chateau Calon-Segur embodies a maturing grace with ample energy reserves—a reflection of a season embraced by nature’s contrasts. For serious fine wine enthusiasts seeking to diversify their portfolio with solid investments from Bordeaux, this vintage offers a compelling narrative woven into its character. This is not only a still-vibrant milestone from 2006 but an intriguing chapter in the storied legacy of Chateau Calon-Segur.
Concluding Notes on Investment Elegance
The 2006 Calon-Segur possesses the hallmarks of a judicious investment-grade wine: pedigree, provenance, and an ageing profile that supports continued evolution and appreciation. In St-Estephe’s lineage of illustrious vintages, it stands affirmatively and merits recognition from discerning collectors who seek to capture the nuanced whispers of history through their acquisitions. To capture it is to hold a tangible piece of 2006—a year where pride and poise triumphed over Bordeaux’s elements.
Market price (SGD)
$1,510.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
64.29
Scores and tasting notes
Decanted for one hour before pouring, I was intrigued to see whether the Calon-Segur lived up to the praise I heaped upon it just before bottling? It has a glorious, tertiary bouquet that unwinds with notes of blackberry, liquorice, Provencal herbs, white fennel and a touch of melted tar. Good definition and purity. The palate is full-bodied with firm tannins, a slight metallic note on the entry, very good depth of flavour with blackberry, cassis and black plum. More alcoholic on the finish than I expected although this is counterpoised by sharp acidity. This is a more generous Calon-Segur that I anticipated, but great length and potential. Drink 2014-2025+ Tasted July 2010.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jan 2011
Tasted at Bordeaux Index's tasting and at the château, the 2006 Calon Segur was current winemaker Vincent Millet's first vintage. In many ways, you can see it as one of the last of the "old style" Calon Segur wines with a higher percentage of Merlot than nowadays (the 2006 consists of 33% Merlot), while I aver that the tannins are not as fine as they are nowadays. The Merlot component is vividly expressed on the nose with ravishing ripe red cherries, kirsch and strawberry, just slightly smudged by the alcohol. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy tannin, quite sexy in style but it does not have the class of more recent vintages and it seems to have remained tough up on the finish. It will loosen up with time, so afford this another 6-8 years in bottle. Tasted January 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 29 May 2016
Aromas of perfumes and blueberries with minerals. Medium-to-full body, fine tannins and a tangy, fresh finish. Attractive tension and austerity to this. Savory and juicy. Drink now or hold.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, July 1st 2013
A blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2006 Calon Segur is an elegant, classic effort that represents about 60% of their total production. Deep ruby, with forest floor, cassis, black cherry, and soil undertones in both the aromas and flavors, this is a medium to full-bodied wine. A success for the vintage, it exhibits fine density, moderately high but sweet tannins, and alluring texture, and fine purity. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2035.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #181