Deep ruby color; cherry, plum, vanilla, cedar, flowers on the nose; plum, cherry, redcurrant, black olive, coffee on the palate.
Dry; firm structure with dense tannins and balancing acidity. Decant. Very rich, bold, expressive fruits framed by generous oak. It spent a year in French barrels, 20% new. More fruit-forward than you anticipate from a Côtes de Bordeaux. Velvety mouthfeel after decanting. Medium finish, with intriguing earthy notes; 14% ABV.
Although it is right bank, across the Gironde from Medoc, this is blend of 50% merlot, 45% cabernet sauvignon, 5% cabernet franc from vines 40-50 years old. Right bank you expect merlot to be the lead grape, and other vintages of this saw much higher percentage of merlot. This vintage sports more balance in the lead grapes, likely as result of vintage conditions in its vineyard.
Medium-full to full body. At five years old when tasted, this is young and some more bottle age should smooth and integrate this. After decanting, smoothed out considerably. Affordably priced, this is serious wine, an assertively tasty example of Côtes de Bordeaux. People think Bordeaux as all grand crus and bottles priced at a thousand dollars or more, but there is plenty of significant wine at affordable prices. This is an example.
Château Ségonzac has made wine since 1887. Founded by Jean Dupuy, who was the French minister of agriculture under the Third Republic. Dupuy also was a wealthy newspaper publisher, and his operation was considered the most modern in Bordeaux when it was built. The estate spans 82 acres and is four miles across the Gironde from Château Beychevelle (Saint-Julien). Swiss national Jacques Marmet purchased the property in 1990 and gave the winery a modern update. The vineyard received Ecocert certification in 2012.
Château Ségonzac Les Vieilles Vignes-Vignes, Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux 2015 flaunts very rich, dark fruits. It impressively over-delivers at its price point. Significant tannins—cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc make up almost all the blend. Rewards time in your cellar and/or decanting. Pair with leg of lamb; roast or braised beef; grilled steak; wild game; veal; chicken soup with garlic and ginger. $18-20
Château Ségonzac website (French language only)
