We’ve opening the week with a bottle you may not have tasted, but you’ve definitely seen. That heart on the label shows up every Valentine’s Day, across Instagram and even at the head table of a celebrity’s wedding. It’s hard to miss. What’s easier to miss is this: the man who put that heart there also ran Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Latour.
ABOUT CALON-SÉGUR
Château Calon-Ségur is a historic Third Growth Bordeaux estate from Saint-Estèphe, classified in 1855. Think of a Third Growth like a Michelin star: not the flashiest name on the list, but one recognized for consistent quality. Its identity is forever linked to its 18th-century owner, the Marquis de Ségur, who also owned the legendary First Growths Lafite and Latour. For decades, it was managed by the Gasqueton family until it was sold in 2012, beginning a new era of investment and revitalization.
Meet Nicolas-Alexandre de Ségur, the 18th-century "Godfather" of Bordeaux. He was so powerful, even the King of France called him the "Prince of Vines."
His portfolio was insane. He owned both Château Lafite and Château Latour. In modern terms, that’s like managing Taylor Swift and Beyoncé at the same time.
Despite his empire, he dropped the ultimate romantic line: "I make wine at Lafite and Latour, but my heart is in Calon." Lafite and Latour were power and prestige, the cornerstones of his reputation. Calon, by contrast, was personal. It was the estate he invested himself in emotionally, the place where ownership become attachment.
That attachment endured long after his lifetime. To honor this vow, the estate slapped a heart on the label. It wasn't just marketing; it was a tribute to the Marquis's true passion.
That label turned the wine into a universal symbol of love. It says "I love you" (or at least, "I love this expensive wine") before you even pull the cork.
From an 18th-century Marquis to a modern Mandopop King—even Jay Chou served this at his fairytale wedding. Romance truly transcends time.
FUN FACTS
🚢 From Boats to Bottles
The name "Calon" originates from "calones," small transport boats used in the Middle Ages, as the estate's location was once a key river crossing point.
✅ Original Classified Growth
Calon Ségur is a Third Growth estate, having been included in the original and historic Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855.
🕙 Ancient Origins
It is one of the oldest wine-producing properties in the Saint-Estèphe appellation, with a history that can be traced back to the 12th century.
WINE STYLE
Primary Aromas: what you get from the grapes
Deep, concentrated notes of Crème de Cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) and fresh blackberry, supported by a fleshy plum core (from the Merlot). Distinctive Left Bank signatures are prominent: graphite (pencil lead), cedar leaf, and often a touch of fresh mint or violet floral lift in cooler vintages.
Secondary Aromas: what you get from fermentation
Calon Ségur typically matures in 100% New French Oak barrels for 18-20 months. This imparts a structured, spicy framework. Will find layers of warm baking spices: clove, cinnamon stick, and vanilla pod, along with toasted brioche, espresso bean, and a signature "cigar box" woodiness that integrates with the fruit.
Tertiary Aromas: what you get from aging
As it ages (10-15+ years), the fresh fruit evolves into savory complexity. Look for Forest Floor (Sous-bois), wet earth, and truffles. The tannins soften into worn leather, accompanied by notes of tobacco leaf, dried figs, and a gamey, meaty richness.
THE CRITICS
“A fruity wine that’s approachable but still serious and complex, with cocoa, currants, paprika and berries. Medium- to full-bodied. The tannins are taut, chalky, caressing and superbly knit with the fruit. Really juicy and long, and there aren't any hard edges. 82% cabernet sauvignon, 9% merlot, 8% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot.“
“95-97. Barrel Sample. Dark-chocolate and licorice aromas show a wine that has great structure and promise. It is rich with generous Merlot and dense with concentration and dark power. It has the acidity that marks out the year.”
VINTAGES
Better for aging
2016
This one is built like a brick house right now (dense, tightly packed, and clearly meant for the long haul). The tannins are polished but firm, with classic notes of graphite and pure cassis underneath all that structure. It’s a wine with decades ahead of it. Don’t rush it. Put it away, forget about it for a while, and let it do its thing.
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Ready to drink
2009
This was a warm, sunny year, and it really shows (in a good way). The clay soils in Saint-Estèphe soaked up the heat, so the wine feels generous and smooth instead of hard or heavy. What’s usually a bit strict has softened nicely, with flavors of dark cherries, chocolate, and a little earthiness. It’s rich, comforting and very easy to enjoy right now.
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Value pick
2017
This is a smart buy for anyone who looks past the headlines. It is caught between the hype of 2026 and the size of 2018. This vintage doesn’t get much attention, but it probably should.
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HOW TO SERVE
Temperature
Serve at 60–65°F (16–18°C). Do not serve this at "room temperature" (which is usually too warm in modern homes). If the bottle feels warm, pop it in the fridge for 20 minutes.
Glassware
Decanting is highly recommended, especially for younger vintages (under 15 years). Pour it into a decanter 1-2 hours before dinner to let the "cigar box" aromas open up and soften the tannins. Use a Large Bordeaux Glass with a broad bowl.
Food Pairings
This is a structural, powerful wine with grippy tannins. It needs protein and fat to bind with those tannins, making the wine taste smoother and the food richer.
The Classic Match: Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb. The rosemary and thyme echo the herbal notes in the wine, while the fat cuts through the tannin.
The Romantic Dinner: Filet Mignon with Truffle Jus or Beef Wellington. Since this is the "Heart" wine, pair it with a dish that feels like a special occasion.
Cheese Board: Stick to Hard Cheeses like Aged Comté, Mimolette, or 24-month Parmigiano-Reggiano. Avoid soft, creamy cheeses (like Brie), which can make the wine taste metallic.
WHERE IT IS
Domaine de Calon, 33180 Saint-Estèphe, France
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