Wines Saint-Estèphe Château Calon Ségur - 2022

Château Calon Ségur 2022 is a classic red wine from the renowned Saint-Estèphe appellation in Bordeaux’s Médoc region. Crafted predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, with complementary proportions of Merlot and a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this 2022 vintage is the expression of a promising year marked by generous sunshine and favourable ripening conditions. The estate’s centuries-old gravel and clay soils provide the perfect terroir for structured, age-worthy wines. Maturation takes place in oak barrels, a significant portion of which are new, imparting both finesse and subtle toasty notes to the finished wine. Expect a wine of deep ruby colour, offering aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, graphite, and hints of violets and spices, all held together by a dense, supple tannic frame that promises excellent ageing potential.

Saint-Estèphe is the northernmost of the major Médoc appellations, prized for its slightly cooler, maritime climate thanks to its proximity to the Gironde estuary. The soils here boast a unique blend of deep gravel over a clay-laden subsoil, which helps retain moisture in hotter, drier vintages, allowing the vines to thrive and the grapes to mature slowly and evenly. Historically, Saint-Estèphe has been known for producing robust, earthy, and long-lived wines, and Château Calon Ségur stands out for its finesse and elegance amid the region’s more powerful examples. This château, among the oldest in the Médoc, is steeped in history and famous for the heart symbol on its label, representing its longstanding devotion to its terroir.

To best accompany Château Calon Ségur 2022, consider pairing it with robust dishes that complement its structure and depth. Traditional Bordeaux fare such as entrecôte à la bordelaise (steak in a rich red wine sauce), roast lamb studded with garlic and herbs, or a classic duck confit would harmonise beautifully. Mushroom-based dishes, truffled risottos, or mature Comté cheese will also enhance the wine’s complexity.

Serve this wine slightly below room temperature, ideally between 16-18°C, to accentuate its aromatic profile and soften the tannins. Decanting for at least an hour is recommended to allow the wine to open up and reveal its layered bouquet. While very enjoyable in its youth for its vibrant fruit, it will reward cellaring over the next decade or more, developing greater nuance and sophistication with time.