Jancis Robinson
byJulia Harding MWthe4/16/2012
Drink 2018-2035
It was sad to be tasting at Calon-Ségur without Mme Capbern-Gasqueton, who died during the night of 2/3 September 2011 just after technical director Vincent Millet (ex Ch Margaux but already in his sixth vintage at Calon-Ségur) phoned her on Friday the 2nd to say he was coming over to start harvesting in the morning. We tasted this before the second wine, the Marquis de Calon. 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot. Harvest ended on 21 September, which is usually when they start, but he wanted to retain the freshness of the fruit. Very careful and laborious selection from among the 200 different lots of press wine, 80-90% of which was Cabernet. 50% went into the grand vin.
Rich, deep glowing cherry crimson. Lightly dusty but sweet and fragrant cassis. Just a touch of cedary freshness. Deep and smoothly textured and with an elegant overlay of freshness. No dry tannins here. Scented on the mid palate. Delicate, not typically St-Estèphe. Lively and full of fresh energy. Cool August brought delicacy and aromatic power to the Cabernet Sauvignon. Tender and fresh on the finish. So drinkable. Finesse and freshness all round. (JH) 13.3%