Phelan Ségur 2016

"The 2015 Phelan Segur, a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Merlot aged in 50% new oak, is certainly one of the better offerings from the Saint Estèphe appéllation. For sure, the bouquet is restrained, kept on a leash, but it trots along with crisp blackberry and raspberry fruit, interwoven with an attractive pencil lead note. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannin. It is structured and quite bold, considering the storm that swept across the appéllation during harvest, clearly a lot of sorting here that engenders a clean and pure wine with appreciable mineralité and tension on the foursquare finish. If released at a sensible price, then this would be a recommended Saint Estèphe to consumer over 10-12 years".

They finished picking here on 25th October, one of the latest ever harvests at Phélan. Feathery tannins and a fresh, ripe but crunchy aspect to the fruit gives a real sense of vivacity and grip. I love the dark pepper spice that clamps around the fruit on the second half of the palate. This is an excellent vintage for Phélan, for me better than both the 2015 and 2014. It's full of life with silky, extremely pliable tannins (the IPT comes in at 89, but they reflect the signature of the vintage by being soft and lush) and a slow build up to a juicy frame that catches the fruit. Blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, aged in 50% new oak. Drinking Window 2024 - 2042

"A super fragrant red with blackberry and blueberry aromas plus hints of blackcurrants. Full-bodied, powerful and structured. Tannic. Very long finish. A muscular and intense wine."