Chateau Phélan Ségur Saint-Estèphe 2016
In 1805, Daniel Phelan, an Irish wine broker, acquired le Clos de Garamey, located in Saint-Estephe. The acquisition was followed in 1810 by the purchase of the Segur de Cabanac estate, creating a magnificent wine-producing domain that remains practically unchanged today. Bernard Phelan, upon his death in 1841, left this vast estate, known as Chateau Segur de Garamey, to his son Frank. Frank devoted his life to promoting the renown and improving the quality of the wines produced on his property, and at one point became the mayor of Saint-Estephe, holding the post for thirty years.
Since 1985, Xavier Gardinier has been running the vineyard with the help of his sons Thierry, Stephane and Laurent. The buildings have been totally renovated to express the spirit of their founders and house winemaking equipment enables the terroir to express itself in all its complexity. However, despite the undeniable attraction of the buildings’ design and the high-tech nature of the equipment therein, they are only the necessary backdrop to the remarkable alchemy that produces each year’s vintage.
The 2016 Chateau Phélan Ségur is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot. Deep Ruby with aromas of Deep Ruby with aromas of dark fruits, cigar box spice and cedar notes. On the palate flavors of fresh blackberry and black cherry with cacao, tobacco and complex spice. Youthful firm tannins, well balanced on long finish, ending with earthy mineral elegance. Very nice. Tasted ’15 and ’16 side by side, ’16 slightly better, will age well.
Cheers!