Château Phélan Ségur 2025

Château Phélan Ségur is a long established estate in AOC Saint-Estèphe, in the northern Médoc, widely regarded as worthy of a place in the 1855 classification. The vineyards lie on gravel over clay limestone, the cooler clay rich soils of Saint-Estèphe giving the wines a firm structure and freshness. The blend is led by Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the classic left bank recipe in which each grape contributes structure, flesh, aroma or colour. After fermentation the wine ages for 18 months in 225 litre French oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange through the staves rounds the tannins and adds cedar, tobacco and cocoa. The colour is deep and dark. The nose is led by blackcurrant and blueberry over gentle spice, tobacco and graphite. The palate is structured and savoury, with firm but ripe tannins, bright acidity and a long, mineral finish. It is a classic, cellar worthy claret that rewards a few years of patience. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead. It is at home with roast red meats and game.