Chateau Phelan Segur 2023

60% Cabernet Sauvignon 38% Merlot 2% Petit Verdot
Stainless steel vats, 500-litre barrels
Maturing / Ageing : 18 months

James Suckling 96-97/100 : “The polish and intensity of this wine is beautiful for the vintage, with blackcurrant, lead pencil and light chocolate character. It’s medium- to full-bodied with well-integrated fruit and tannins, and a long finish. Velvet texture. Excellent potential. Fermented from selected yeast from the various parcels. 58% cabernet sauvignon, 39% merlot, 1.5% petit verdot, and 1.5% cabernet franc. Let’s see which is better in the end, 2022 or 2023”.

Vinous (Neal Martin) 92-94/100 : “The 2023 Phelan Ségur was picked September 18 to October 11 at 52hL/ha and matured in 55% new oak. This has c very pure bouquet. You can actually tell that there is less SO2 being employed here since it displays that strong crushed strawberry fruit, almost confit-like character, turning more floral with aeration. The palate is medium-bodiec with fine-boned tannins. This is very well balanced, though not a Phelan Segur laden with huge concentration (the analytical alcohol is a more restrained 13.54%). There is just a touch of balsamic that perks up the finish, while graph notes join the chorus line toward the close. Quite an “involving” wine in the cards, this will be fascinating to revisit on in bottle”.

Wine Advocate 91-93/100 : “A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2023 Phélan Ségur offers up aromas of cassis, dark berries, licorice and toasty new oak, followed by a medium to full-bodied, deep and nicely concentrated palate with plenty of powdery structuring tannin and good length on the finish. It’s a strong effort”.