2004 Chateau Calon-Segur Saint-Estephe

(93 Points)  ----  (Chris Kissack)

At fifteen years of age this still displays a quite vibrant hue, a dark and modestly translucent core surrounded by a broad cherry-red rim. The nose is dark and smoky, with scents blackberries, damsons and dried black plum skins, dressed with nuances of bay leaf, and some evolving liquorice, cinnamon, cigar humidor and coffee ground aromatics. On the palate it feels modest, with a savoury and medium-bodied texture, with plenty of dried damson skin, tobacco and cigar leaf notes like the nose, all wrapped up in a delicate texture. The finish still carries some dry and modestly ripe tannin. Classically styled, this should continue to age well, I suspect into a savoury, mature, sinewy but ultimately understated style. Drink or hold.    Review Date: 11/2019