Château Phélan Ségur 2012

Once again, an absolutely magnificent Phélan, on a par with a Deuxième Cru: beautifully balanced and refined, with incredible tannin quality, great aromatic potential, an impressively fleshy palate, and a long finish of black berries.

From the Gardinier family, this 2012 has a dense, ruby/purple color, sweet blueberry and blackcurrant fruit, background earth and spice, with moderate, velvety tannins. This medium-bodied wine has good fruit, ripeness and a rather classic mouthfeel. Drink it over the next 10-12 years.

Offers a dark, dense feel, with layers of fig, blackberry, leather, chestnut, tobacco and loam all carrying through the broad, smoky finish. Features solid fruit, with an ample tug of earth. A solid effort for the vintage. Best from 2017 through 2022. 15,000 cases made.

90–92. Barrel sample. This is a full and ripe wine that slowly reveals its rich, full-bodied character. On the mid palate, dry Saint-Estèphe tannins come through to show the immense concentration of the wine.

Unusually in terms of my recent experience, this is tasting far more plump and inviting than the 2011 right now - with well defined and purely-delivered cassis and bilberry flavours, some creamy texture and enjoyably confident tannins. It has a bright, fresh finish with crushed mint notes and plenty of St Estèphe power. 3.72pH. Harvest from October 8 to 19.

Lots of violet, sandalwood, currant and tar character. Subtle and pretty. Full body, fine tannins and a balanced and fresh finish. Pretty wine. Hard not to drink now. Better in 2018.

The 2012 Phélan Ségur is a pleasing, mid-weight wine. Dark cherry, iron, smoke, dried flowers are all nicely delineated in the glass. Next to most of its neighbors, Phélan Ségur is quite restrained in style and not at all flashy, but the 2012 will appeal to classicists for its unfussy personality.

From a blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, the medium-bodied wine shows ripe dark plum, earth, espresso and cassis characteristics that seem to be just a bit short on the finish.

Dark inky core. Attractive nose of roasted oak, dark berries, cassis, plum and tobacco notes. The palate has good density and concentration, elegant dark fruit, grainy tannin, notes of blackberry and cassis, juicy freshness and a long lingering finish, well built with very fine potential.

Appealing nose with floral and spicy notes, liquorice, cigar box and blueberries. Juicy, silky style with feminine accents that already offers plenty of charm and easy drinkability; on the palate, rounded, medium-bodied, with good grip and a supportive tannin framework; now entering its first real drinking window.

Dark garnet, quite dense at the core, ruby rim. Opens with plenty of cedar notes, white pepper and red plums, with a noble attack. Medium-bodied on the palate, showing fine tannin grains on the tongue; the aromatic profile stays in the plum register. May still gain in time. Although it currently has the same score as the 2007, I would still rate it slightly higher. (17/20). Toasty bouquet, stewed damson plums. You can sense the slightly under-ripe Cabernet and it remains in the red-berry register. A “business lunch” version!

A floral, silky, fresh bouquet with blueberries, blackberries, tobacco, toasty notes and chocolate. A well-balanced, medium-bodied palate with velvety fruit, fine tannins, rich, sweet aromatics and a long, full finish. 17/20 2019 - 2034

The 2012 Phelan Segur is medium to deep garnet colored. The nose is tired, with notes of balsamic, dried mulberries, and figs, plus dusty soil, sauteed herbs, and leather. The medium-bodied palate is tiring with fading fruit and a subtle spiciness, going a touch hard on the finish.

Phélan-Ségur 2012 is a supple, rich wine—charming and alluring—that will develop well in the bottle.

Dark, intense, beautiful color. Fruity nose with ripe fruit and vanilla notes. The attack on the palate is a little discreet, then the wine opens up, supple, fruity and flavorful, with a medium body and a well-rounded, tasty finish of medium length.

Ten years ago, harvest started on October 8! Stormy, cold conditions—this is where the teams truly stand out. After a smooth, full-bodied attack, a complex palette of apothecary box, cured meat, spices and chocolate unfolds, with plenty of freshness still present and a lifted, thirst-quenching balance. With aeration, the power asserts itself in this equal-part merlot–cabernet sauvignon duo.