Chateau Phelan Segur 2014, CBS St Estephe
Chateau Phelan Segur of humble CB has been always been awarded by international tasters with high scores, and for vintage 2014 Points 92 to 94. Always intense and easy to drink, wine people always say Phelan 2014 Segur is unique in that it is in Bordeaux but not of it. We think so, and in terms of cost performance, we feel this is one of the first magnificent chateau to succeed outside the 1855 classification.
The taste of Phelan Segur 2014 is as classy as some of the 4th or 5th Growths yet natural as most CB should as if it is shouting out to the world that it is a 'non-classified' Cru Classe and 2014 Phelan Segur this delicious is what we can do for you.
Awarding this wine WS93, James Molesworth wrote in the Wine Spectator in 2015: “This (2014 Plehan Segu) is alluring, with a velvety feel to the crushed plum and black currant fruit, while perfumy hints of espresso and singed sandalwood line the finish.
Another comment is from Wine Enthusiast who awards 94 points, saying in the similar views that wood flavours in this wine rapidly give way to rich fruit, with the eventual unfolding of spice and black-plum flavours built by a firmly tannic superstructure which brings the long aftertaste.
James Suckling awarded it 92, noting the orange peel undertone to the blackcurrants of Phelan Segur 2014 whose floral characters are fresh and aromatic, with firm and silky tannins with a straight and crisp finish.
Composed of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. 2014 Phelan Segur vinifies in tank most of the time. Partial malolactic fermentation takes place in 50%, new, French oak barrels. Then the wine ages in French oak barrels of light toasting for 16 to 18 months, hence the upfront fruit fuses smoke or espresso notes in the wine when it's young.
Chateau Phelan Segur and its vineyards sit high in St Estephe between two illustrious neighbours, Calon Segur to the northwest and Montrose to the southeast. Probably he best cabernet comes from Chateau Houissant purchased earlier. Another formidable neighbour is Cos d’Estournel. In this sense Phelan Segur is a curious mixture when one considers that the vineyard scattered along 70 parcels. Vine density is 8500 per hectare with some old vines like 70 years old.
Frank Phelan is the second wine and Michel Rolland the consultant.
