Calon Ségur 1986

Tasted at the château, the 1986 Calon Segur has a thin tawny rim that gives away its 30 years of age. It is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. The bouquet is fully mature, not complex but perfumed with wilted violets infusing the candied red fruit, clove and dried orange peel aromas. It probably is a little static and rustic compared to more recent vintages, probably typical of this era for the estate. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy tannin. Like the 1986 Phelan-Segur, this is a "gutsy" Saint Estèphe, rough around the edges, a bit square-jawed and uncouth. Yet there is plenty of density and satisfying freshness, with a tang of spice on the cedar-tinged finish. Well-kept bottles will continue to give pleasure. You will enjoy this if you expectations are not sky high. Tasted July 2016.