The blend of the second wine is 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, and this took 54% of the crop. Very rich, dark, perfumed and expressive on the nose, much more so than Capbern tasted alongside. The nose is perfumed, aromatic, with chalk dust and white flowers laid over sweetly concentrated fruits. It is dense, glossy and composed on the palate, with dark and savoury fruits in particular black bean, blackcurrant, damson and black pepper, all wrapped in a very fine ribbon of tightly knit tannin. This is impressive, loaded with grip, with savoury fruits, and with a ripe yet fresh style, despite the higher alcohol here. Lots of grip and tannic length at the end too. This is a second wine for the cellar. The declared alcohol is 15%, which fits with the style but it provides no heat.

Gorgeously plump blackberry and damson fruit here, high impact with chewy tannins that build through the palate and give an impression of confidence and pleasure. A clear crowd pleaser, with cocoa bean and chocolate shavings, no need to wait too long to approach. 30% new oak. (JA)

The 2019 Le Marquis de Calon Segur is composed of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a little coaxing to unlock notes of red and black currants, fresh blackberries, and tree bark, followed by hints of pencil shavings and lavender. The full-bodied palate has a solid frame of grainy tannins and plenty of freshness to support the bright, breezy fruit, finishing on a mineral note.