2009 Marquis de Calon, St-Estèphe

50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. The second wine of the Medoc’s most northerly classed growth, Château Calon-Ségur, this approachable Saint-Estèphe is a great introduction to the Grand Vin. The estate’s vineyards cover 74 hectares of land located to the north of the village of Saint-Estèphe, and grow on 5 metre deep gravel beds mixed with varying amounts of sand, limestone and clay. The grapes were picked by hand, and then fermented for 21 days. Prior to bottling the wine was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, 50% of which were new. Mid crimson. Lots of richness and breadth but with the mineral undertow of a fine St Estèphe. A Good Buy! Lots of life here. Racier than my beloved Capbern Gasqueton from the same stable. (JR)