2025 Phelan-Segur (St-Estephe)

Damson colour, rich gourmet toasted style, this is great quality, plum, damson; black cherry, cocoa bean, hard to argue with. So much floral character, jumping out of the glass, flavourful and easy to recommend. Veronique Dausse is doing an excellent job at this estate, and once again it is showing at the very top of the appellation, holding up against the classified growths. Harvest September 10 to 26, 3.73 pH. 29 hl/ha yield, 55% new oak for ageing. Tasted twice. 94 points

The 2025 Phelan Segur is a gorgeous but quiet wine. Hints of dark raspberry, rose petal, mint, spice, mocha and blood orange fill out the layers. The fruit profile is more red-leaning than in many years, while the 2025 is on the lighter side structurally. It will be interesting to see what elevage brings. Savory overtones from the Cabernets suggest a bright future. There`s certainly plenty to look forward to. 91-93 points

The 2025 Phelan Segur was picked between September 10 and 26 at 29 hl/ha, matured in 55% new oak barrels. Again, this is a Saint-Estephe that is cut in a more mellow and classical style compared to the 2020 or 2022, for example. Mainly black fruit, the Cabernet-dominated scents of cedar and tobacco emerge within a couple of swirls, with just a light touch of tea leaves in the background. The palate is medium-bodied, with fine-boned tannins matched by a silver thread of acidity. Very well balanced and unequivocally in the more elegant style, without the concentration or voluptuousness of the 2022. This is more sleek and refined, ergo, an earlier-drinking Phelan Segur that delivers elegance and refinement. Just a lovely Saint-Estephe that was presumed vanquished by global warming. 93-95 points