2011 Marquis de Calon

The second wine of Calon Segur, the 2011 Marquis de Calon reveals a dark ruby color as well as juicy black cherry aromas, an attractive texture and a soft style. It is a pleasant, light to medium-bodied effort to consume over the next 4-5 years.

Second wine – and one which Mme Capbern-Gasqueton never showed on primeur – tasted after the grand vin because it was so different in style with majority Merlot: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. (St-Estèphe clay allowed the Merlot to ripen fully, without the interruptions due to hydric stress suffered by vines on gravel, giving powerful wines. Cabernets have finesse and silky tannins on the clay whereas the Merlot has power.) 30% of production. Sweeter more plummy nose than the grand vin but still very fresh with just a hint of cedar. Denser and firmer and less elegant. More chocolate and less fluid freshness on the palate, though it is still fresh. A more gourmand wine for the second wine. Powerful but velvety. Less elegant, more rounded, less tension. More monolithic. (JH)

I have never tasted the second wine of Calon. This is juicy and round with plums and berries. Delicious but a little light. Second wine of Calon-Segur. 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. jamessuckling.com