A beautifully mature Saint-Estèphe from a classic Bordeaux vintage, the 1989 Calon-Ségur is now showing superb complexity and harmony. Layers of black cherry, cassis, cigar box, truffle, and earthy spice unfold over a fleshy, medium-to-full-bodied palate with resolved tannins and a long, generous finish. Still carrying the estate’s signature structure, this is a refined, powerful yet fully evolved Left Bank claret, offering both depth and charm at peak maturity, with further nuanced drinking potential ahead.

The Wine Advocate | RP 92
Published: Mar 1, 2022
Drink: 2015-2035

An underrated wine, the 1989 Calon-Ségur is drinking beautifully, unfurling to reveal aromas of cherries and dark berries mingled with notions of cigar box, loamy soil, black truffles and grilled meats. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and muscular, with a generous core of fruit, ripe tannins, low acidity and a long, lusty finish, it is another 1989 that's going from strength to strength as its structure softens with age.

Jancis Robinson | JR 17.5
Published: Dec 9, 2001
Drink: 2001-2015

Mid-crimson with a slightly orange rim. The nose is much fresher than that of the 1990 and there is more acidity on the palate. For the moment this is less fun to drink than the exotic 1990 but it will certainly last longer and there is more to it. The tannins are still a little sandy but this wine seems much less obviously ripe than the 1990. (JR)

Calon-segur.fr

The Grand Vin of Calon Ségur mirrors its terroir. It is rare, authentic and stirs the soul. In the most natural way, it reveals both great delicacy and outstanding intensity. All the magic of Calon is in this balance. The wine is aged in new oak barrels for 20 months, the tannins of the oak integrating harmoniously over time with the tannins of the grapes. The style is brought by a Cabernet Sauvignon which expresses its finesse without arrogance. Elegance is to be found everywhere, in the purity of the wine’s flavours, in the delicacy of its texture, while its depth and length are also superb. The wine’s extraordinary ability to age many years in bottle is another feature of the estate. The 1947, 1953 and 1982 vintages, by way of example, still display astonishing signs of youth.

Technical Specs

Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Natural Cork
Harvest: 1989
Oak: Approximately 18–20 months in new French oak
Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon-led Bordeaux blend with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot
Vineyard Area: 55 ha
Planting Density: 8,000 vines/ha
Training: Double Guyot
Harvest: Hand-picked with grape selection
Vinification: Temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks; approximately 18–21 days vatting
Region: Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France
Classification: 3rd Grand Cru Classé in the 1855 Classification

Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Decanting: 30–45 minutes, mainly to remove sediment
Food Pairing: Roast beef, lamb, venison, duck, beef Wellington, mushrooms, truffle dishes and mature hard cheeses