Château Phélan Ségur Saint-Estèphe 2018
Château Phélan Ségur
Phélan Ségur consistently outperforms its classification, and the 2018 vintage is a prime example. This is Saint-Estèphe at its most approachable — structured enough to age but integrated enough to drink now. The tannins are polished rather than aggressive, and every element connects without gaps. Excellent value for left-bank Bordeaux.
Kit Aromas
Nose
Blackcurrant and dark cherry form a dense core, with cedar and graphite adding structure. Subtle violet florals and a hint of mint lift the aromatics, and there's a toasted quality from oak aging.
Palate
Medium-to-full bodied with fine, chalky tannins. Black fruit carries through the palate, supported by cedar and a savory, almost gamey undertone. The vanilla from barrel aging is present but restrained, acting as binding agent rather than flavor.
Finish
Long, with blackcurrant and cedar persisting. A gentle mintiness keeps the finish fresh.
- Varietal
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Blend
- 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot
- Vineyards
- 70 hectares on gravel and clay slopes in Saint-Estèphe
- Alcohol
- 14%
- Organic / Biodynamic
- No
Food Pairing
Herb-crusted rack of lamb with roasted root vegetables
Sitting on a slope overlooking the Gironde estuary, Château Phélan Ségur was built by Irish wine merchant Bernard Phelan in the early nineteenth century and has been steadily climbing in quality under the stewardship of the Gardinier family since 1985.
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