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Wine Description
The Story
Fifty-five hectares (136 acres) at the time of the 1855 classification, fifty-five hectares today: the estate is a rare example of consistency of terroir over the centuries.
The vineyard is made up of one single block adjacent to the village of Saint-Estèphe. Unique in the Médoc, it is completely surrounded by a stone wall. Inside, closest to the château, this “enclos” groups together the most famous plots of Calon.
There are very few geological models that can be compared with the terroir of Calon Ségur. The vines delve down into a deep gravel layer that was deposited there by the river. This layer covers another which is predominantly clay. This combination of clay and gravel soils is one of the main reasons for the power and finesse displayed in the wines of Calon Ségur.
Cabernet Sauvignon is the backbone of Calon Ségur. This grape variety makes up over three-quarters of the blend, and in great years its proportion can be as high as 90%.
No great wines can ever be made without constant and meticulous care of the vines. The soils are ploughed in the time-honoured tradition. From spring to autumn, vine canopy management tasks are done by large numbers of vineyard personnel. The crop is picked by hand at perfect ripeness.
APPELLATION | Saint-Estèphe. Third classified Growth in 1855. |
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CONSULTANT ŒNOLOGIST | Éric Boissenot. |
SOIL | A thick layer of gravel laid down during the Quaternary Period. Predominantly clay sub-soil from the Tertiary Period. At the summit of the gravel deposits, there is also a fine layer of clay of lacustrine origin. |
VINEYARD AREA | 55 ha (136 acres). |
AREA IN PRODUCTION | 45 ha (50 ha planted). |
GRAPE VARIETIES | 53% Cabernet sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 7% Cabernet franc, 2% petit Verdot. |
AVERAGE AGE OF THE VINES | 22 years. |
TRAINING METHOD | Double Guyot. |
PLANTING DENSITY | 8,000 vines/ha. |
TARGET YIELD | 45 hl/ha. |
HARVEST | Hand picking. A first selection of grapes on the vine. Mechanical sorting of the grapes by vibration, followed by hand sorting. |
VINIFICATION | Temperature-controlled conical stainless-steel tanks. Maceration for 18 to 21 days. |
AGEING | 18 to 20 months, 30% new barrels. Fining with egg white. |
AVERAGE ANNUAL PRODUCTION | Around 80,000 bottles. |
Vintage 1900
The legendary 1900 !
The 1900 vintage in Bordeaux holds a unique place in this history, marked by a combination of factors that contributed to the character of the wines produced.
Weather Conditions: The weather conditions in Bordeaux during the 1900 growing season played a significant role in shaping the vintage. The year began with a mild winter, followed by a warm and dry spring. However, summer brought challenges, with cooler and wetter conditions than usual. These conditions persisted throughout the growing season, resulting in a late and challenging harvest.
Bordeaux 1900 Reds: The red wines of Bordeaux from the 1900 vintage have achieved legendary status among collectors and wine enthusiasts. These wines are known for their exceptional aging potential and complexity.
Appearance: The 1900 Bordeaux reds typically exhibit a deep garnet-red color with brick-red or amber hints, reflecting their considerable age.
Nose: On the nose, the 1900 Bordeaux reds offer an array of captivating aromas, including dried fruits, tobacco, cedar, leather, and hints of earthy notes. The aromatic complexity is a hallmark of this vintage.
Palate: In the mouth, the 1900 Bordeaux reds are characterized by their remarkable depth, concentration, and structure. The tannins, while present, have softened over the years, providing a velvety and luxurious mouthfeel. The wines maintain a surprising level of acidity, which contributes to their longevity. Flavors of dried fruits, cassis, and subtle spice nuances intermingle, creating a harmonious and enduring finish.
Overall Impressions: The Bordeaux 1900 vintage is celebrated as one of the finest in the region's history. These wines have aged gracefully and continue to captivate wine enthusiasts with their complexity and character. They are a testament to the exceptional winemaking traditions of Bordeaux and offer a unique opportunity to experience a moment in history through wine.
For collectors and connoisseurs, the 1900 Bordeaux wines represent a pinnacle of excellence in the world of fine wine. While finding bottles from this vintage today can be a challenge due to their rarity, those fortunate enough to taste them are rewarded with a glimpse into the enduring appeal and timeless quality that Bordeaux wines can achieve.