Chateau Calon Segur 2011

95 POINTS

Yohan Castaing - Decanter

This is from a precocious vintage, with a harvest beginning on September 3, the very day the estate’s longtime owner, the redoubtable Madame Gasqueton, passed away. The nose remains a bit closed, but with airing seductive spices combine with notes of high-toned blackberry and caramel. The wine is more expressive on the palate thanks to a juicy, fleshy structure girded by elegant tannins and to a delicate touch of oak. The underlying acidity so characteristic of Calon Ségur brings added elan, leading to the graceful, airborne finish.

95 POINTS

Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast

This wine has so many of the structural elements of a Saint-Estèphe, but also is enveloped by ripe fruitiness. Black in color and dense in character, it has sweetness from the plum juice fruits and great acidity. But it is also firm, powerfully projecting a serious potential. Drink from 2022.

94 POINTS

Jane Anson - Decanter

A wine that stayed closed for a long time but is now starting to open. It was an early vintage in St-Estèphe, because there was a hail storm in early September and many estates had to pick to avoid rot. This is not trying too hard and has clearly worked with the vintage - it is full of interest, sappy fruit and charm, combining the most gorgeous smoky feel with cool blue fruit. It needs a lot of oxygen so give it time in a decanter if you are drinking soon. This was made in the older cellar before the renovations that came with the new owners in 2012, so less plot-by-plot vinification but most of the investment since this time has been in the vineyard. They have done a great job in both Capbern and Calon Ségur. Then owner Madame Gasqueton died on the first day of harvest, and while the grapes were still coming in there was huge procession organised from the château to the church and cemetery of St-Estèphe. A yield of 44hl/ha. 100% new oak. Harvest September 3 to 21.

94 POINTS

Gary Walsh - The Wine Front

Bought a few of these in another small sortie into 2011 Bordeaux. United Cellars were clearing a few bin ends, so I dived in. Black cherry, currant, fresh mint, violet and pencil. Medium bodied, minerally, rich sweet tannin, freshness, precision, length. In short, so many of the things that make Bordeaux great. Not overblown like many recent vintages. Ripe but just ripe enough with a bit of herbal tension that I enjoy in left bank wines. Happy.

94 POINTS

Gary Walsh - The Wine Front

Black cherry, currant, fresh mint, violet and pencil. Medium bodied, minerally, rich sweet tannin, freshness, precision, length. In short, so many of the things that make Bordeaux great. Not overblown like many recent vintages. Ripe but just ripe enough with a bit of herbal tension that I enjoy in left bank wines. Happy.

93 POINTS

Peter Moser - Falstaff

Strong ruby, purple reflections, subtle ochre rim, fine wood spice, soft notes of nougat and blueberries, orange zest, inviting bouquet. Juicy, ripe cherries, subtle sweetness, integrated, ripe tannins, good freshness, blackberries on the finish, elegant and persistent, has length and ageing potential.

92 POINTS

James Suckling

A red with wonderful aromas of blackberries, spices and plums that follow through to a full body, with lovely integrated tannins and a polished, fine finish. Better in 2017.

91 POINTS

James Suckling

The started picking at Calon on the 3rd September with the Merlot. 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. This is well done and reminds me of the 1996 at this stage, which was excellent. Pretty aromas of spices, berry and earth follow through to a full body, with firm and silky tannins and a juicy finish. Very fresh. Points: 91-92