1998 Calon-Segur
By Chateau Calon-Segur
1998 Calon-Segur from Chateau Calon-Segur, St-Estephe, Bordeaux
The turn of the millennium brought with it a keen focus on the treasures rooted in Bordeaux’s historic soils, leading true connoisseurs to the accessibly luxurious 1998 Calon-Segur from Chateau Calon-Segur. The vintage of 1998 can often be eclipsed by the annals of its surrounding years; however, those with an astute palate understand the hidden gems of such unheralded wines.
A Vintage Evaluated with Meticulous Care
The year 1998 was one marked by peculiar weather patterns across Bordeaux, yielding to wines that necessitated expert crafting and unrivalled understanding of St-Estephe’s terroir. The 1998 Calon-Segur stands testament to the adage that magnificent wines are born out of challenging conditions. Precision in viticulture and vinification during such vintages often results in a wine of distinguished character and complexity—characteristics abundantly evident in this offering from Chateau Calon-Segur.
An Investment-worthy Profile
Upon reflecting on this vintage, it is not surprising that it should inspire those considering investment-grade wines. A tapestry of earthy essences intertwine with ripe blackcurrants and cherries notes ensued by a graceful ageing process that has softened tannins to silk and amplified hints of sweet tobacco and cedar. This is a wine Ascending to its plateau of maturity, it promises enduring pleasure as well as substantial potential for investors seeking to diversify portfolios with robust yet refined vintages.
Therein lies the value—a distinguished wine from a year such as 1998 relishes in its subtle prestige. The opportunity to invest in a bottle whispers promise beyond its capacity as a mere consumable, extending towards becoming a tactile asset reflective of an understated yet stellar year.
In sum, the 1998 Calon-Segur is a sterling exemplar of St-Estephe’s proficiency, a vintage that articulates not only the talents at Chateau Calon-Segur but also asserts itself as one quietly commanding attention in the sphere of fine wine investment.
Market price (USD)
$1,540.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
96.92
Scores and tasting notes
The 1998 Calon-Ségur, blended of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, is deep garnet-purple in color with just a touch of brick and a very earthy/meaty nose with notions of new leather, smoked game, truffles, dusty soil, iron ore and mossy bark over a core of crème de cassis, preserved plums, spice cake and unsmoked cigars plus a waft of incense. The palate is medium-bodied and packed with spicy and earthy layers with velvety tannins, seamless freshness and great length. Give it 10 to 15+ more years.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 31 May 2018
Tasted twice at the chateau. Nose becoming more and more awkward - animal like and fecal. But this is just an adolescent strop. Quite tannic and robust on the palate. But the sweetness is evident. Well-balanced. Masculine, Cabernet Sauvignon dominated wine matched with fine subtle ripe black fruits. A superb 1998 here. 8-10 years. Tasted July 2002.
Neal Martin - Wine Advocate - Wine Journal
Although austere tannin may keep this wine from obtaining an outstanding score, it exhibits plenty of complexity in its earthy, truffle, black cherry, currant, plum, and herb-scented bouquet as well as flavors. Moderately tannic, with good weight, it is a classically-styled 1998. Despite the fact that Calon-Segur tends to utilize about 35% Merlot in the final blend, it is not one of the more precocious efforts of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2030.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #134