2022 Château Phelan Segur - 1er OHK

The 2022 Phélan Ségur comes from a growing season that was not straightforward due to the hail in June that cost 30% of production. This obliged the team to reconfigure the blend, as the first trials were found to be too rich and tannic. But the depleted yields produced an outstanding wine that will vie with the 2020 as a benchmark for the estate. The 2022 is actually quite understated on the nose with fine delineation of blackberry, bilberry, pencil lead and light forest floor scents. The palate is very well balanced with pliant tannins and a keen line of acidity, gently spiced with black truffle and subtle peppery notes toward the well-knit finish. This is an outstanding Saint-Estèphe that you would assume comes from a cooler growing season. Given market prices, this comes recommended.

- Neal Martin (01/2025)

A very structured red for Phelan Segur with incredibly powerful tannins that are long and linear. At the same time, there's deep, dark fruit underneath. Blackcurrants and blackberries. Medium-bodied with lots of grape phenolics and a palate full of dried spices. It's very muscular yet toned and balanced. 56% merlot, 40% cabernet sauvignon, 2% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. A Phelan for the long term. Old-school in a modern way. Best after 2029. (01/2025)

Looking at the Grand Vin, the 2022 Château Phelan Segur checks in as 56% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that comes from a slightly different mix of their estate parcels and saw a shorter maceration followed by 18 months in 55% new French oak. Rocking aromatics of crème de cassis, spring flowers, spicy oak, and hints of smoky tobacco define the bouquet. It's full-bodied, pure, and elegant on the palate, with a seamless, layered mouthfeel, gorgeous tannins, and a great finish. This remarkably textured, balanced 2022 will keep for 20-25 years. (02/2025)

The 2022 Phelan Segur is made from 56% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, with a yield of 28 hl/ha. Deep garnet-purple in color, it charges out with rambunctious notes of kirsch, black cherries, boysenberry preserves, and garrigue, followed by suggestions of lilacs, Sichuan pepper, and cinnamon stick. The medium to full-bodied palate is laden with juicy black fruit and red berry sparks, supported by firm, grainy tannins and wonderful freshness, leading to a long and spicy finish on this very pretty wine. pH 3.8, TPI 96 (05/2023)

Unwinding in the glass with aromas of cherries, crème de cassis, sweet berries and spices, framed by creamy new oak, the 2022 Phélan Ségur is medium to full-bodied, rich and concentrated, with plenty of sweet fruit and chewy structuring tannin. It's a persuasive Saint-Estèphe in a more modern, extracted style.

- William Kelley (04/2023)