2009 Château Calon Ségur, St Estèphe, Bordeaux

A pretty nose of raspberry and blackcurrant coulis leads to an elegant palate of fresh bramble fruit and black cherries. Calon-Segur is not a powerful wine in 2009 but it is sophisticated with fine, gentle tannins and a twist of sweet spice on the finish. Usually in the shadow of its sister property, Grand-Puy-Lacoste ( here with the exact samescore ) , this is more expressive than usual . The nose is opulent and inviting , but what follows is a model of elegance , with tannins , acidity and fruit seamlessly interwoven. The finesse of the tannins was noticeable , albeit totally absorbed by the glorious weight of fruit . There are layers of flavour and texture , and a beguiling combination of elegance and power , with an unusually high amount of Cabernet providing fine structure.