2021 Phelan-Segur (St-Estephe)

Unfurling in the glass with aromas of dark berries, plums and cherries mingled with notions of rose petals, pipe tobacco, sweet spices and loamy soil, the 2021 Phelan Segur is medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with impressive depth at the core, ripe tannins and lively acids, concluding with a long, saline finish. Concentrated and well-constructed, this is a serious wine with a bright future ahead of it. It`s a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Tasted five times, twice at the estate. 92-93 points

The 2021 Phélan Ségur has a very appealing bouquet with blackberry, wild strawberry and cedar scents, a touch of black truffle coming through with time. It conveys Saint-Estèphe typicity. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, quite tensile with a fine bead of acidity. It constitutes a linear and perhaps more conservative Phélan that should age well in bottle. Tasted twice. 91 points

The 2021 Phelan Segur is bright, punchy and full of character, with all the youthful vigor and fruitiness of a barrel sample. I very much like the energy here. There`s less density than in the preceding years, but that is not a bad thing at all. Cedar, tobacco, sage and bright red berry fruit open nicely, all woven together by the aromatic intensity that is such a signature of the year. This is the second vintage that incorporates a touch of Petit Verdot, while the Cabernet is the highest it has ever been here. Readers will find a classy Phélan marked by a sense of strict classicism that is hugely attractive. Tasted four times. 92-94 points

Attractive, carefully-extracted damson and black cherry fruit with austere tannins. This is a little drying on the finish, and is clearly impacted by the issues of the vintage, after a series of truly brilliant years at Phélan Ségur. Harvest September 29 to October 13. IPT 85. 55% new oak. 90 points