1986 Calon Segur

Tasted at the château, the 1986 Calon Segur has a thin tawny rim that gives away its 30 years of age. It is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. The bouquet is fully mature, not complex but perfumed with wilted violets infusing the candied red fruit, clove and dried orange peel aromas. It probably is a little static and rustic compared to more recent vintages, probably typical of this era for the estate. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy tannin. Like the 1986 Phelan-Segur, this is a "gutsy" Saint Estèphe, rough around the edges, a bit square-jawed and uncouth. Yet there is plenty of density and satisfying freshness, with a tang of spice on the cedar-tinged finish. Well-kept bottles will continue to give pleasure. You will enjoy this if you expectations are not sky high. Tasted July 2016.

One bottle of this wine was not corked but a bit dead with very chewy tannins. Markus Del Monego who remembered it from a previous tasting suggested opening a second bottle which was indeed much livelier (and is the one marked above). Aromatic and fruity, this is now rich, soft and charming but relatively evolved. (JR)

Very firm and elegant, with a bit of a hard edge to remind you it's a St. E stephe, but the grapy, cassis aromas and flavors are classic. It's very wel l put together. all it needs is the complexity and pizzazz that comes with cellaring. Drink after 1993. New label on the '86. – Wine Spectator 1989