"The 2017 Phélan Ségur has turned out beautifully. A wine of real substance and personality, Phélan Ségur is endowed with quite a bit of depth. Black plum, chocolate, spice, leather and mocha are some of the many notes that infuse this wonderfully expressive Saint-Estèphe. Readers should expect a bold, savory wine driven by strong Cabernet Sauvignon accents and structure. Accordingly, the 2017 needs time to be at its very best. In 2017, the Grand Vin contains an unusually high amount of Cabernet Sauvignon (65%), much of which was able to hang until early October, with 34% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc. Winemaker Fabrice Bacquey opted to reduce exposure to oxygen during fermentation with the goal of maintaining as much freshness in the fruit as possible. I continue to be deeply impressed with the work Bacquey, Estate Manager Véronique Dausse and consulting winemaker Michel Rolland have done at Phélan over the last few years." -Antonio Galloni
Robert Parker
RP94
"The 2017 Phélan Ségur is medium to deep garnet-purple colored with pronounced cassis, black raspberries, kirsch and violets with notions of cedar, earth and cigars. The palate is medium-bodied and elegant with great intensity, fine-grained and firm, finishing long and perfumed." -Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Decanter
D93
"New owner, Philippe Van de Vyvere as of 2017. This is a wine that settles into the glass. It has confident, firm and rich fruit, good aromatics and structured tannins that have been well extracted. Bristling, young and a clear life ahead of it. The tannins vibrate through the palate but are very much at the front of the mouth right now, raring to go. Exceptionally good for the vintage. Retasted several times."
Wine Spectator
WS91
"Focused, featuring a beam of black cherry and plum fruit, backed by well-embedded charcoal and iron notes. A light floral accent curls around the finish as the fruit and minerality meld together. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2031."
Wine Enthusiast
WE94
"The oak is currently quite forward and powerful in this young wine, which needs time for the fruit to come through. But the fruit is there, with black currant acidity and freshness showing in the background. Let the wine soften and don't drink before 2024." -Roger Voss
