2022 Phelan Segur
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Tasting notes
Yields were reduced to a mere 28hl/ha in 2022 at Phélan Ségur, with hail reducing the volumes further here (a normal crop would be 40-45hl/ha). The resulting wine is rich and expressive, with ripe dark fruit that makes for a profound nose. On the palate, it’s supple and soft, with velvety tannins – the 56% Merlot thriving here, giving a broad and generous wine. You can feel the richness and texture building, with good acidity and a mouth-watering freshness on the long finish. Blend: 56% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Neal Martin, Vinous
More reviews and scores
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.
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.
56% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Deep and dark. Surprisingly fragrant in a vintage where the tannins dominate. Massively tannic though the tannins are not out of kilter with the intense dark fruit. Hard to taste now but I think this is going to be very good if you can wait. (JH)
About the producer
With 70 hectares under vine, Ch. Phélan Ségur sits on the eastern side of Saint-Estèphe – neighbouring Montrose and Calon Ségur. Owned by Philippe van de Vyvere since 2017, its gravel soils produce typically firm wines.