2006 Calon Segur

Remarkably deep crimson. Savoury, racy nose with good depth and confidence. Not heavy or rustic – really quite transparent and with almost Lafite-like lift and race. Well done with no greenness and just a little tightening on the finish. Finer than the more solid Montrose. Positively succulent! You might reproach it for being just a little lightweight…www.jancisrobinson.com, 06 Aug 2007

A blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2006 Calon Segur is an elegant, classic effort that represents about 60% of their total production. Deep ruby, with forest floor, cassis, black cherry, and soil undertones in both the aromas and flavors, this is a medium to full-bodied wine. A success for the vintage, it exhibits fine density, moderately high but sweet tannins, and alluring texture, and fine purity. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2035. Wine Advocate.February, 2009

Tasted at Bordeaux Index's tasting and at the chateau, the 2006 Calon Segur was current winemaker Vincent Millet's first vintage. In many ways, you can see it as one of the last of the "old style" Calon Segur wines with a higher percentage of Merlot than nowadays (the 2006 consists of 33% Merlot), while I aver that the tannins are not as fine as they are nowadays. The Merlot component is vividly expressed on the nose with ravishing ripe red cherries, kirsch and strawberry, just slightly smudged by the alcohol. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy tannin, quite sexy in style but it does not have the class of more recent vintages and it seems to have remained tough up on the finish. It will loosen up with time, so afford this another 6-8 years in bottle. Tasted January 2016. May 2016, www.robertparker.com