Served blind alongside what was later to be revealed as the 1970 Montrose. Our humble table was universally convinced the other wine was from Bordeaux and there was at least one that was adamant this was the legendary 1970 Mayacamas. What wasn’t up for debate was the nose, which was absolutely stunning. A melange of ripe, dried and desiccated dark and red fruits with dried flowers, leather, sweet tobacco and the prettiest baking spices your nose ever smelled on a Cabernet from California. It was almost Burgundian relative to the Montrose. This is a vinous wine with acid keeping it spry. And while it is likely to give “Ohhs and Ahhs” for years to come, it is so gorgeous right now that I wouldn’t hesitate to pull the cork and taste one of the most important wines in history while it still has its potency. This will be one of those wines that haunt me for years to come and I’m ever so grateful to have enjoyed it. A sublime pairing with Iberico de Bellota pork loin with harissa purée and ramps. — a year ago
Exceptional Cab /Merlot/ Can Franc blend from Lebanon in the style of a right bank Bordeaux. Reminds me of Chateau Montrose 2010, but 5 times cheaper — a year ago
NOSE: rodent (second time tonight!), barnyard, hay (redundant, but “barnyard” in my world means animals and their accompanying mess, hay is for the animals), wet rocks. Fruit is dry and receded and near-theoretical.
TASTE: elegant indeed. Medium weight, tannins nicely smoothed with age, dried herbs (old lady perfume), dried blackberry. 92. — 20 days ago
Love it. Others did too! — 8 months ago
Very dry dependable option — 7 days ago
1986 vintage. 5 bottles tasted for a 1986 vintage BDX dinner @ Mister A's-San Diego. This was up against other 1986's Pichon-Lalande, Beychevelle, Gruaud-Larose, Montrose and Cos. Double decanted and tasted over 5 hours. Respectable sed. Effin pop and pour now. Right right now. The clear winner. So good with balance and enough fruit without having to reach or rationalize. If you're not able to access for 7-10 years, you should be okay. Delicious. 3.14.24. — 2 months ago
The 2020 Calon-Ségur is allowed to open for over 90 minutes, unfurling in the glass with blackberry and bilberry scents, cedar and floral scents (almost identical to how it showed in barrel.) It just oozes pedigree. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte tannins and quite plush red fruit. It is very well balanced without the backbone and depth of say, Montrose or Cos d'Estournel. It has gained a bit of heft on the finish during its élevage. However, it fans out in assured fashion. This should drink beautifully for 25 to 30 years. (Neal Martin, Vinous, February 2023) — a year ago
Andrew Cullimore
Medium deep ruby , slightly wider more garnet rim . Spicy cassis and grafite , with some wood spice on the nose , quite austere and aloof . On the palate nice grafite tinged cassis , with mineral backbone , slightly austere personality. Refreshing acidity and slightly grippy tannins . Ok length . This is quite an austere wine at the moment with just enough mid palate to cover the bones . This needs a little more time , 2-3 years perhaps and will last well a further 6-10, but I don’t think this has the fruit for long term aging . — 10 days ago