2021 Château Phélan Ségur

The 2021 Phélan Ségur 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.

- Antonio Galloni (04/2022)

Shows gently mulled loganberry and black currant fruit flavors that have some breadth, atypical for the vintage, while a mix of black tea, potpourri and singed cedar notes fill in the background. Reveals a pretty accent of warm earth on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2035. 10,000 cases made.

- J.M.

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 Phélan Ségur 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.

- William Kelley (04/2022)