2012 Calon-Segur
By Chateau Calon-Segur
2012 Calon-Segur from Chateau Calon-Segur, St-Estephe, Bordeaux
The 2012 Calon-Segur from Chateau Calon-Segur is one of those finely-honed releases that asserts the charisma and potential of St-Estephe’s terroir in what was a challenging year for Bordeaux. Both the investor in fine wines and the cultivated palate seeking to broaden their cellar's repertoire will find merit in this considered offering.
Steadfast Through Challenge: The 2012 St-Estephe Story
A vintage characterised by climatic hurdles, 2012 required skilful vineyard management and measured expectations. Yet, under the vigilant stewardship of Chateau Calon-Segur, this vintage not only survived the caprices of nature but thrived with a surprising elegance.
Tasting Notes: Depth Meets Structure
The strength of this wine lies in its harmonious balance, a robust core surrounded by layers of more delicate nuances. On the nose, it pronounces ripe blackcurrant and cherry aromas wrapped in a medley of smoky oak, cedar, and hints of tobacco—an olfactory tapestry rich with St-Estephe complexity. The medium to full-bodied palate offers the 2012 Calon-Segur an assertive tannic structure that promises longevity. It bears dark fruits with whispers of liquorice and earth, culminating in a finish that displays both severity and grace—a testament to the dexterity required to craft such a poised wine in such a variable year.
For collectors and investors alike, the virtue of patience will see the 2012 Calon-Segur evolve. Its astute integration allows for current enjoyment, yet there's an assuredness that time will unveil further dimensions—making it an essential component for prudent portfolio diversification.
Concluding Sentiments: A Wise Investment
This discreetly powerful offering showcases how adversity can yield greatness. It resonates with tactile proof that the right combination of place, passion, and patience can transcend expectation. For those who aspire to imbue their collection with depth and anchored opulence, I suggest keen attention be directed towards securing an allotment of the 2012 Calon-Segur from Chateau Calon-Segur. A nuanced investment indeed; It is positioned to satisfy both the epicure's pursuit of complexity and the investor's quest for appreciating assets.
Market price (USD)
$1,160.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
73.08
Scores and tasting notes
Super fresh and floral with raspberry, currant and berry character. Full body, with fine tannins and a long, long finish. Bright and racy. 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 4th 2013
The 2012 Calon Ségur, has an opaque ruby/purple color, very sweet black raspberry, black cherry and currant fruit, underlying forest floor notes, wonderfully sweet tannin, surprising up-front opulence and beautiful purity, texture and length. This is an outstanding effort and a strong wine in 2012. Drink it over the next 20 years, as the acidity is quite low and the wine already approachable.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 2015
Tasted as a barrel sample at the chateau. The Grand Vin was picked between 1st and 16th October, the Cabernet from the 9th October, the fruit sorted by hand as it enters the winery rather than an optical sorting machine. It has a very fragrant bouquet, very pure with dark cherries and raspberry preserve, like a toned down version of the 2009. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp, chalky tannins. There is plenty of bright red fruit, fine focus and a very composed, quite suave finish that is presently driven by the 100% new oak. This is a great little wine from Calon Segur that should have plenty of class and sophistication once in bottle. Tasted April 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013
The 2012 reveals an opaque ruby/purple color along with sweet tannins, low acidity, medium to full body, and abundant cedary, foresty notes intermixed with black cherries, black currants, caramel and spice box. This medium to full-bodied St.-Estephe should drink well in 4-5 years (atypical for a Calon Segur), and last for two decades. Calon Segur has one of the top dozen terroirs in all of Bordeaux, so I'm waiting to see how spectacular it can become under its new ownership. Certainly the team brought in to push the quality is the right one. I don't know what the final blend of the relatively soft 2012 was, but I suspect it includes a copious percentage of Merlot, although Cabernet Sauvignon has dominated over recent years.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #206