Château Phélan Ségur 2021

Château Phélan Ségur is one of the Crus Bourgeoise Exceptionnel properties located within Saint-Estèphe appellation. Of all the properties that possesses the qualities of a Classified Growth, Château Phélan Ségur would definitely be an estate that fits within that category. With extraordinary terroir near properties like Château Calon Ségur and Château Montrose, Château Phélan Ségur is a true insider’s wine and available at an undervalued price. 
 
The history of this property dates to the time it was under the ownership of Nicolas Alexandre de Ségur. Nicolas Alexandre de Ségur was a legendary figure within the wine world at his time, owning not one but three First Growth properties – Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour, and Château Mouton.  He was nicknamed, “the Wine Prince,” and also oversaw operations at an estate that would later hold a very personal significance to him, Château Calon Ségur.  Château Calon Ségur is of special historic significance to Château Phelan Ségur, as both properties were portions of the vast Ségur estate. A hundred years later, this property was purchased by an Irishman named Bernard Phélan. He purchased both Clos de Garramey and Ségur properties. He combined his last name with Ségur, thus Château Phélan Ségur was born. Bernard Phélan was well connected within the industry at the time, as he was married to one of the Guestier daughters of the famed négociant, Barton and Guestier. In the modern era, Château Phélan Ségur was managed by Thierry Gardinier. Gardinier also manages Château Meyney in Saint-Estèphe and the Fifth Growth estate, Château Grand-Puy-Ducasse in Pauillac. In August 2017, Château Phelan Ségur was sold for a record breaking 90 million Euros to a wealthy Belgian investor, Philippe Van de Vyvre.
 
This large, 70-hectare estate is planted with a mixture of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.  The choicest vines are located near the Saint-Estèphe powerhouse, Château Montrose. Most of the vines are 35 years old, yet there are a small portion of old vines at 70 years of age. An extensive overhaul of renovations was completed in 2011 and the prolific Michel Rolland was hired to consult at the estate. As of 2020, the estate began incorporating Petit Verdot to the final blend of the wine.  The wine is aged in a smaller portion of new French oak to add dimension and structure. To improve the quality of the grand vin, a Second Wine was introduced in 1986. It was named Frank Phélan in honor of the previous owner who built the château. Château Phélan Ségur is a unique expression of a Saint-Estèphe, as the wine can be enjoyed earlier. Most Saint-Estèphe wines require significant time in bottle in order to show the fullest potential of the vintage. With that in mind, the wine has excellent ageing potential and can last up to 20 years after the vintage.  This makes it a versatile wine and a worthy purchase. 

"Very refined with a mineral and chili chocolate twist to the fine spices and cassis with a touch of iron and pencil shavings. The juicy, medium- to full-bodied palate shows symmetry of chalky tannins and fruit concentration. More refined, layered and long than it is compact or broad. Still, the finesse and minerality are evident. Drink now or hold." - James Suckling, (02/22/2024), Ratings: 94

"Unfurling in the glass with aromas of dark berries, plums and cherries mingled with notions of rose petals, pipe tobacco, sweet spices and loamy soil, the 2021 Phélan Ségur is medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with impressive depth at the core, ripe tannins and lively acids, concluding with a long, saline finish. Concentrated and well-constructed, this is a serious wine with a bright future ahead of it. It's a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Tasted five times, twice at the estate." - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate, (04/29/2022), Ratings: 92-93

"The 2021 Phélan Ségur turned out beautifully. Dark, somber notes typical of this Saint-Estèphe are present, but also attenuated by the medium-bodied structure of the year. Red cherry, gravel, incense, licorice and dried herbs fill out the layers nicely. The 2021 is a quiet Phélan Ségur, yet all the elements are nicely balanced." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous, (02/28/2024), Ratings: 92