While winemaking at the Calon estate dates all the way back to the 12th century, the château really took off in the 18th century when legendary winemaker Nicolas-Alexandre, the Marquis de Ségur — also known as the "prince of vines" — took over the property. The marquis was passionate about this winery, once saying that "I make wine at Lafitte and Latour but my heart is at Calon Segur" (hence the heart on the wine's label). The estate went on to acquire the rank of Third Growth in the Bordeaux 1855 classification.
Today the château is owned by the Suravenir company, who are in the process of extensively renovating the estate while being careful to preserve its historic values.
The 55-hectare, single-block vineyard is entirely surrounded by a stone wall; the only vineyard in the Médoc to be so. Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon — which makes up over three-quarters of the blend — the vineyard also grows Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.
Neil Martin 94 This is an atypical 2009 in the sense that it remains one of the few that require patience. Sure, it has an opulent and intense bouquet with plenty more glycerine and warmth than the 2008, maintaining fine delineation, but you know there is more to come. The palate is full-bodied, powerful, and almost viscous on the entry, bold but structured, especially towards the substantial finish that clams up tightly after 20-30 minutes. Punishment for jumping the gun? Hey, it's up to you, but there are many other Left Bank 2009s that you could enjoy within ten years of age before considering this excellent Saint-Estèphe. Tasted March 2015.