2022 Chateau Phelan Segur - St. Estephe (750ml)

Founded by Irish merchant Bernard O'Phelan in 1810, this consistently over-delivering Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel neighbors Montrose and Calon-Ségur on the Saint-Estèphe plateau. Starting with the 2016 vintage, Phélan Ségur has been on a roll making the best wines in the history of the estate. The 2022 shows fine delineation on the nose — blackberry, bilberry, pencil lead, and light forest floor — with very well balanced, pliant tannins and a keen line of acidity on the palate, gently spiced with black truffle and subtle pepper toward a well-knit finish; an outstanding Saint-Estèphe that one might assume comes from a cooler growing season. Muscular yet toned, with deeply structured tannins that are long and linear — a Phélan for the long term, old-school in a modern way. Aged 18 months in 55% new French oak. Drink 2030–2065