Superb aromas of crushed berries, violets and sandalwood with hints of cedar and roses. Full body, very fine tannins and savory, delicious fruit. Vibrant acidity combines beautifully with the fruit and structure. Harmonious and attractive. Fine-toned. Try after 2024.

This is utterly gorgeous, living up to the promise of its showing at en primeur. Plump and rich yet well balanced, the violet-tinged black fruits are accompanied by really vibrant edging, and a shot of cassis purée and fresh mint leaf that I haven't found in many of these wines. Chocolate and cappuccino notes swirl through the finish. Matured in 100% new oak. 2% Petit Verdot rounds out the blend. Harvested 29 September to 15 October.

The 2016 Calon-Ségur is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot aged in 100% new French oak for 20 months. Deep garnet-purple colored, it is a little closed to begin, slowly revealing warm red and black currants, kirsch and plum preserves with wafts of fragrant earth, violets, chocolate box and wood smoke. Medium to full-bodied, elegantly expressed and finely crafted, it has a wonderfully fine-grained texture and bold freshness supporting the densely packed black fruits, finishing long and mineral-laced.