Calon Ségur 2006

Bright ruby-red. Perfumed, terroir-driven aromas and flavors of redcurrant, licorice, iron, cinders, woodsmoke, minerals and pepper, plus a whiff of meat. At once dense and suave, with herbal and peppery nuances contributing to the wine's impression of insinuating vinosity and inner-mouth aromatic character. Almost rustic in its soil tones but not in its refined texture. Finishes with building tannins and a juicy freshness. A wine worth following.

The powerful fleshy black fruits that fill out the nose come through on the palate. The fruit feels ripe but there is a herbal green edge ensuring freshness and brightness on the finish.

The harvest at this estate was relatively late for the vintage (September 26-October 15), and approximately two-thirds of the production made it into the final blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot. The 2006 is highly successful, as Madame Gasqueton said, no doubt because of the de-leafing and crop-thinning done throughout the summer. A deep dark ruby/purple hue is accompanied by a sweet nose of black cherries, damp earth, and a hint of herbs. Medium-bodied with surprisingly soft tannin, no austerity, decent acidity, and a fruit-forward, fleshy personality, it should be accessible at an earlier age than the blockbuster 2005.

Tasted at a negotiant. Lucid garnet/ruby colour. The nose is very tight at first, but develops a lovely pure mineral aroma with a touch of earth, hedgerow and black fruits. Full bodied, fabulous balance and focus, well-defined tannins, complex with notes of blackberry, fresh tobacco, a touch of sous bois. Firm, tannic finish but maintaining freshness from start to finish. A fabulously good Calon Ségur courtesy of Mme. Gasqueton. Chapeau! Tasted April 2007.