Chateau Calon Ségur, the renowned Saint Estephe third growth, has reportedly been sold to a group of French investors for around €200m.
Despite owner Helene Gasqueton-Baritault’s letter sent in September 2011 to various Bordeaux négociants, and to Decanter.com, clarifying that she would be continuing to run the family property, reports of a sale have been circulating since the death of former owner Denise Capbern-Gasqueton in September last year.
One source close to the chateau, who did not wish to be named, confirmed the sale to Decanter.com yesterday, saying that French taxes payable after Madame Gasqueton’s death had made it impossible for the family to hold on to the estate.
He confirmed that it had gone to a group of French – mainly Bordelais – investors.
There are also unconfirmed reports that Credit Mutuel de Bretagne is involved in the deal.
The sale involves the 55ha Chateau Calon Segur and the family’s other estate, 35ha cru bourgeois, Chateau Capbern-Gasqueton.
No statement has been sent out to Bordeaux négociants who receive allocations of Calon Ségur – a sign that the sale was intended to be kept out of the public eye.
Written by Jane Anson in Bordeaux, and Adam Lechmere