Pure liquid velvet, sings of restrained elegance. Inky plum in colour, full intensity, with decades ahead of it, signature St-Estèphe power and character. Damson, black cherry, olive tapenade, liquorice, slate, earth, closing in on bitter almond and dark chocolate on the finish. Harvest 27 September to 16 October. Strongly suggest that you leave this open for a good few hours before tasting if going anywhere near it soon (we had it in a carafe for four hours before serving). 100% new oak, with just 35% of production in the grand vin because so much replanting had been done over the previous decade.

Superb aromas of crushed berries, violets and sandalwood with hints of cedar and roses. Full body, very fine tannins and savory, delicious fruit. Vibrant acidity combines beautifully with the fruit and structure. Harmonious and attractive. Fine-toned.

A monumental wine in the making, the 2016 Château Calon-Ségur is blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot that spent a full 20 months in all new French oak. It offers an incredibly powerful, concentrated, classic style in its crème de cassis, graphite, scorched earth, tobacco, and lead pencil aromas and flavors. These give way to an inky, full-bodied 2016 that has perfectly integrated acidity and tannins, subtle background oak, thrilling depth and purity of fruit, and a great, great finish. My money is on it being the greatest wine ever made at this address.