2023 Château Phélan Ségur

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. (05/2024)

The Grand Vin 2023 Château Phelan Ségur checks in as 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot. It too is deep ruby purple-hued and offers a brilliant nose of pure cassis, sappy tobacco, flowers, and hints of leather. It's medium to full-bodied, brings good mid-palate concentration, and has integrated tannins and acidity, as well as outstanding length. It's a beautiful, concentrated, elegant 2023 with tons to love. Tasted multiple times, with one sample rating 95, but I'm being conservative with the rating. This has terrific potential. (05/2024)

The 2023 Phelan Segur is deep garnet-purple in color. Notes of crushed blackcurrants, fresh blackberries, and Morello cherries hop from the glass, giving way to hints of dried Provence herbs, black pepper, and graphite. The medium-bodied palate is lively and refreshing, with a light chewiness to the tannins and a savory finish. The blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot. (05/2024)