The 2012 Calon Ségur is a beautifully poised Saint-Estèphe, combining elegance, depth and ageing potential. Led by Cabernet Sauvignon, it reveals layers of black cherry, cassis and blueberry with hints of spice, truffle and subtle earth. The palate is silky yet structured, with refined tannins, freshness and impressive length.

Decanter | D 95
Published: Nov 26, 2021
Drink: 2022-2035

This is the late-harvest year that the insurance group Suravenir acquired Calon Ségur. Picking began on October 1 and ended on October 13. Classy, elegant nose of ripe blueberry and black cherry with spicy overtones. Juicy, fleshy, satiny mouthfeel possessing elegant poise and freshness. This is a supremely elegant wine that is already approachable but ready to go the distance over the next decade.

James Suckling | JS 93
Published: Feb 9, 2015

A silky and polished red with currant, walnut and black truffle character. Full body, silky tannins and a fine finish. It reminds me of the excellent 1995. Better in 2017.

Wine Spectator | WS 93
Published: Mar 31, 2015

Dense but pure, offering suave plum, raspberry coulis and black currant fruit, and tobacco, tar and iron nuances. This is integrated and refined through the long finish, but lacks the vintage's austerity. Very nicely done. Best from 2017 through 2025. 6,665 cases made.

The Wine Advocate | RP 91
Published: Apr 30, 2015
Drink: 2015-2035

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. 

Jancis Robinson | JR 16.5
Published: Feb 10, 2022
Drink: 2022-2040

Tasted blind. Deep purplish crimson. Not that complex a nose – yet? Cassis and minerals and very much needs food to counterbalance the marked acid and tannin. Drying finish. But classically built. Good drive.

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: 13.5%
Closure: Natural Cork
Harvest: 1–16 October 2012
Oak: 20 months in 100% new French oak barrels
Varietals: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot
Vineyard Area: 55 ha
Average Vine Age: 22 years
Planting Density: 8,000 vines/ha
Training: Double Guyot
Harvest: Hand-picked with initial selection on the vine, followed by mechanical and hand sorting
Vinification: Temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks; approximately 18 days vatting
Consulting Oenologist: Éric Boissenot
Region: Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France
Classification: 3rd Grand Cru Classé in the 1855 Classification

Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Decanting: 45–60 minutes
Food Pairing: Roast beef, lamb, venison, duck, beef Wellington, mushrooms, truffle dishes and mature hard cheeses