At a glance

Producer

Château Calon-Ségur

Region

Saint-Estèphe AOC, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (20%), Cabernet Franc (18%), Petit Verdot (2%)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$110-$160

Tasting profile

Pronounced dark blackberry, cassis, cedar, graphite, and tobacco with underlying mineral and smoky notes.

Evolution: With aging, will develop tertiary aromas of leather, truffle, forest floor, and subtle spice.

At peak: Deep complexity with velvety tannins balancing vibrant acidity; a classic, elegant Bordeaux experience.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus acidity giving freshness and aging potential

Tannins

Firm and well-structured, typical of Saint-Estèphe terroir

Alcohol

13.5% ABV

Aging potential

30-40 years from vintage given the top-tier classification and vintage quality

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2060

Optimal window

2025 to 2063

Current status

Youthful, tannic and structured

Current condition

Restrained aromas with primary dark fruits and firm tannins; requires further bottle age to soften and gain complexity.

The combination of the 2016 vintage’s exceptional ripeness and structure, plus the estate’s gravelly Saint-Estèphe terroir, yields a wine with robust tannins and bright acidity that will soften and harmonize over 15+ years, reaching peak aromatic complexity and textural finesse around 15-30 years after vintage.

Food pairing

Excellent with rich dishes such as braised beef, lamb with herbs, wild game, aged hard cheeses, and mushroom risotto.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften the firm tannins and allow complex aromas to open up.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Château Calon-Ségur implements cover cropping, integrated pest management, water conservation, and energy efficiency measures in their vineyards and winery operations.

While Château Calon-Ségur is not certified organic or biodynamic, they focus on sustainable viticulture with minimal chemical inputs, natural soil management, and energy-saving equipment. Packaging uses traditional glass bottles with recycled materials when possible. Their carbon footprint reflects typical Bordeaux-level emissions with efforts to reduce impact where feasible.