Château Phélan Ségur 2024

Dark-fruited, crystal-clear, with cherries, cassis and blackberries, violet and lavender blossoms, a cool hearth note, extraordinarily noble and profound, with no wood dominance in this bouquet; on the palate, straight, vertical, well-structured, with exceptionally delicate fruit; powdery tannins carry it from start to finish, always present, never dominant; perfectly judged acidity, full of tension, with great precision and impressive length. Looking at the price-to-quality ratio, this is the 1er Grand Cru Classé of St-Estèphe.

An effortless 2024 from Phélan and one of the highlights of the year. Roses, violets, peonies, red cherries and strawberries. Smells amazingly perfumed. Supple and juicy, really lifted and alive. Has an airy quality to it – tannins are fine and beautifully delineated with freshness but all in balance. Gentle and calm with classic elements of cool mint and liquorice as well as really pure fruit. Not trying too hard. Really well refined. I love it! Full of purity and precision, not big or weighty but you’ll be able to drink this so easily. Ageing 55% new oak. 10% press. 60% production. 3.72 pH. Tasted four times. A yield of 30 hl/ha. 15 different native yeasts were used for fermentation.

Black raspberries, flowers, strawberry, menthol, and cedar aromas fill the perfume. Medium-bodied, bright, crunchy, and crisp, the lively finish readily displays its charming red fruits. This should be quite nice to taste shortly after release. The wine blends 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot. 13% ABV. Yields were 30 hectoliters per hectare. Drink from 2027-2045. 91-93 Pts

A refined nose with precise notes of graphite and slate, hints of candied cherry, and a meaty touch of roast duck. Elegant dark fruit gains momentum on the palate, unfolding around a clay-like framework that brings a pleasing grain. The texture is unctuous, stretching into a creamy finish with undeniable charm.

Austere opening, you feel the shape and length of the tannins, well placed and skilfully constructed, with slim Cabernet floral rose petals and peony notes alongside savoury bilberry fruit, touch of liquorice bud and fresh juice on this finish. Finessed, drawn out, expertly constructed. Harvest 30 September to 14 October. 30 hl/ha. 55% new oak. 3.72 pH, Veronique Dausse director. Tasted twice.

Dark, intense, purplish colour. Very aromatic nose, refined, pure, fruity and subtle, with hints of fruit and flowers. Delicate on the attack, flavoursome on the mid-palate, the wine melts across the palate, juicy, pleasant and fragrant. Average length. Blend: 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot. Alcohol: 13% - pH: 3.72. Yield: 30 hl/ha.