Chateau Phelan Segur 2016
Chateau Phelan Segur was the result of combining 2 estates; Clos de Garramey and the Ségur de Cabanac estate. Bernard O'Phelan purchased both estates and combined them into one large estate naming it Château Ségur de Garramey. IN the early 20th century, the name was changed to its current name, Chateau Phelan Segur. The property was eventually sold to the Delon family who owns Chateau Leoville Las Cases. They held the property for about 40 years until they sold to the Gardinier family who owned Pommery Champagne. The Gardinier family was very serious about raising the quality of the wines, they had all the 1983 vintage recalled and did not release 1984 and 1985. The property was once again sold in 2007 for 90 Million euros. A record for a Cru Bourgeois Chateau.
The chateau is located between 2 of the most recognized wines in St. Estephe; Chateau Montrose and Chateau Calon Segur.
Chateau Phelan Segur is planted to 58% Cabernet Sauvignon and 39% Merlot, 1.5% Cabernet Franc and 1.5% Petit Verdot. The vineyard can be divided into 4 large blocks, and those can be further subdivided into close to 70 different parcels. On average the vines are close to 35 years of age. However, they have old vines, some of which are at least 70 years of age. The vineyard is planted to a density of 8,500 vines per hectare.
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Wine Spectator: 93
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This is a touch old-school, with bay and tobacco notes out front followed by alder, warm earth and steeped black currant flavors. The grippy finish lets the fruit and earth notes wrestle a bit, leaving a chewy feel. Will settle with cellaring, but this is not for fans of finesse. Best from 2022 through 2035.
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Wine Advocate: 92
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Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Phélan Ségur gives elegant red and black currants, kirsch and black berries with violets and chocolate box scents plus a waft of cigars. The palate is medium-bodied, elegant, fine grained and fresh with great vibrancy and mineral notes on the finish.
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Decanter: 94
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Wow, this is silky-smooth and incredibly accomplished, straying very close to being sensational. Is this their best ever wine? Cassis, damson and dark chocolate flavours are joined by brushed tannins and great lift. It's so soft that it feels almost ready to be decanted and drunk, but the tannins are perceptive and I imagine this will close down for a few years soon. Try drinking in eight to ten years when it's fully ready.
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Wine Enthusiast: 93
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There is a much better balance between fruit and the wood aging in this vintage from this estate than in the past. This wine offers richness and structure from fruit tannin. Dark fruits give the wine rich intensity. Drink from 2025.
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James Suckling: 95
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A very serious St.-Estèphe with excellent concentration, firm tannins and a dark soul. I love the earth, walnut, bark and smoke aromas that pour out of this. Very long, dramatic, dry finish. Better from 2021.
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Jeb Dunnuck: 94
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Showing beautifully on multiple occasions, the 2016 Château Phélan Ségur is incredibly impressive and reveals a saturated purple as well as pure cassis, violets, damp earth, lead pencil, and spice-driven aromas and flavors. Beautifully layered and textured, concentrated, with fine tannins and the purity and elegance that make the vintage so compelling front and center, it’s a high-class Saint Estèphe to enjoy over the coming 20-25 years or more.
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