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Chateau Phélan Ségur 

33180 Saint-Estèphe, France

Phélan Ségur is an ambitious cru Bourgeois turning out forward yet structured wines with some class. Even better than the 1995 and 1997 tasted here is the sensational 1996, which is worth looking out for.

Chateau Phélan Ségur 1995
Deep red/black colour with a browning edge. Ripe, smoky nose leads to a rich, firm but ripe palate with good balance. It’s not as showy now as the exotic 1996, but this is a steady wine with good potential. Very good/excellent (Berry Bros have this at £26)

Chateau Phélan Ségur 1997
Deep coloured wine with an exotic nose: sweet and open with a minerally, smoky, leafy tinge. Firm and tannic on the palate but quite light in character. It is beginning to dry out a bit: too much tannin for the fruit? Very good+, but I’d drink this soon. (Berry Bros have this for £17)

Frank Phélan 1997
Who is this Frank chap? This is quite an attractive second wine, with a ripe, minerally nose. Soft and approachable on the palate, with a mineral streak and more leafy fruit. Drinking well now, with some complexity. Very good.

(Tasted November 2000)

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