2015 Phelan-Segur (St-Estephe)

The 2015 Phelan Segur, a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Merlot aged in 50% new oak, is certainly one of the better offerings from the Saint Estèphe appéllation. For sure, the bouquet is restrained, kept on a leash, but it trots along with crisp blackberry and raspberry fruit, interwoven with an attractive pencil lead note. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannin. It is structured and quite bold, considering the storm that swept across the appéllation during harvest, clearly a lot of sorting here that engenders a clean and pure wine with appreciable mineralité and tension on the foursquare finish. If released at a sensible price, then this would be a recommended Saint Estèphe to consumer over 10-12 years.

Has the smooth, slightly gamey fruit you’d expect from Phélan-Ségur. Very good vineyard expression and fine, elegant length. 90 points

Another impressive St. Estèphe, especially given the late season rains in the appellation in 2015. Rich, dense and stru ctured, with plush blackcurrant and bramble fruit, textured tannins and plenty of extract. Very true to its terroir. Drink: 2022-32. 93 points

The 2015 Phélan Ségur is one of the most impressive wines I have tasted here in a number of years. It is also a wine that developed considerably over the two weeks I followed it. Early tastings suggested a deep, powerful Saint-Estèphe, but over the course of a week, the aromatics and finesse seemed to become more apparent. Beautifully ripe, silky tannins wrap around a core of expressive dark red cherry, plum and exotic spices. The decision to pick on the late side certainly was right on the money. This is a pretty and promising wine from the team at Phélan Ségur. 89-92 points

Bright fruit and fine tight finish. Classic stuff though with an undertow of sweet oak. No one could object. 16.5 points