Château Calon-Ségur 1982 - Saint-Estèphe

Estate Presentation: Château Calon Ségur

A Third Growth in the 1855 Classification, Château Calon Ségur is one of the most historically rich and iconic estates in the entire Médoc. Located in Saint-Estèphe, its reputation is inextricably linked to the famous Marquis de Ségur, who declared in the 18th century: "I make wine at Lafite and Latour, but my heart is at Calon." In homage to this statement, the label has since featured a unique heart. Renowned for its unwavering consistency, the estate produces wines of monumental rectitude, combining the structured power typical of its appellation with exceptional breed and finesse, designed to stand the test of time.

Appellation Presentation: Saint-Estèphe

Saint-Estèphe is the northernmost appellation of the great Médoc crus. Its terroir is characterized by a complex interweaving of dense gravel on the surface and subsoils rich in clay. This high proportion of clay allows for optimal water retention, particularly beneficial during hot vintages. Saint-Estèphe wines possess a powerful tannic base, superb preserved acidity, and a legendary ability to age, developing noble tertiary notes with time.

Vintage Presentation: The 1982 Bordeaux Vintage of the Century

1982 remains the mythical and absolute vintage of the late 20th century in Bordeaux. This pivotal year benefited from perfect climatic conditions: a hot and sunny summer followed by early harvests under radiant weather. 1982 revolutionized tasting standards by giving birth to wines with unprecedented opulence, fruit richness, and tannic roundness, while maintaining a phenomenal structure. The great 1982 wines are now at a historical plateau of plenitude.

Description of the Bottle's Condition

This collector's bottle displays a precise condition in perfect alignment with its historical age:
- Wine Level: High shoulder. This is a regular, healthy level, very frequently observed on original Calon Ségur bottles from these eras.
- Label: Original presentation, naturally yellowed by time in the cellar, but perfectly legible and intact.
- Capsule: Slightly oxidized on the surface due to natural aging humidity, but perfectly hermetic. There is absolutely no leakage or sign of seepage.

Food & Wine Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Serving Suggestions: Serve at a temperature of 16°C to 17°C. Given its old age (over 40 years in bottle), brutal decanting is not recommended. It is preferable to uncork the bottle 1 to 2 hours in advance and serve it gently to allow natural sediment to settle.
Gastronomic Pairings: This Médoc monument will be sublimated by a matured rib of beef cooked over vine shoots, a seven-hour leg of lamb with fine herbs, a duck breast with porcini mushrooms, or braised veal sweetbreads with truffle jus.

Personal Note and Vintage Singularities

"This 1982 Calon Ségur is an emotional testament to Bordeaux's golden age. Upon tasting, the wine unfolds a captivatingly complex tertiary bouquet: noble leather, cedar cigar box, dark chocolate, undergrowth, and candied black fruits with pepper. On the palate, Saint-Estèphe's initial structure has melted into a silky, almost velvety texture, carried by refined, polished tannins and a remarkably persistent aromatic finish. An essential bottle to celebrate a grand event or enrich a connoisseur's cellar."