2016 Phelan Segur
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Phélan-Ségur has a more exotic but controlled bouquet, with brambly red fruit, star anise and cassis scents that blossom in the glass. Quite seductive. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit. Granular in texture, with strong pencil-shaving notes coming through on the Pauillac-like finish, I would afford this another couple of years in bottle. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Wine Spectator
More reviews and scores
An exceptional St Estèphe in this vintage, and one to seek out, not fully ready to drink today, but on its way. This has a tight structure, with creamy and succulent tannins, waves of black fruits, still young but you could fully dive in with a bit of clever carafing. One to get hold of. 70ha vineyard, owned by Philippe Van de Vyvere, director Veronique Dausse, consultants Michel Rolland and Julien Viaud.
Some wines are just about pure pleasure, and from the first glass you know that this is begging you to sit back, enjoy, and pour a glass for a friend. Not as long living as some of the other wines on this list, but it's a 2016 that shows the beauty of the vintage without having to wait another five years to enjoy. Cocoa bean, espresso and tar dominate on the first nose, then bristling blackcurrant fruits appear, with tension through the palate and a mouthwatering finish. 50% new oak.
About the producer
With 70 hectares under vine, Ch. Phélan Ségur sits on the eastern side of Saint-Estèphe – neighbouring Montrose and Calon Ségur. Owned by Philippe van de Vyvere since 2017, its gravel soils produce typically firm wines.