Chateau Phelan Segur Saint Estephe 2011 91pts

The northernmost of the four famous Left Bank communes in the heart of Médoc, St-Estèphe is characterized by an iron-rich gravel and clay that gives these wines their power and longevity. The 2011 Phélan-Ségur is elegant and profound, with spicy, gamey black fruits and smooth ripe tannins. Approachable now but with incredible aging potential!

91 Points Decanter
Less fat through the mid palate than in the 2010, but this is elegant, well balanced and packs a juicy finish. The fruit is a little subdued, but as it opens it shows well sculpted blueberry and earthy notes. 50% new oak.

90 Points Wine Spectator
This has good stuffing, with engaging plum, cassis and blackberry coulis flavors at the core, holding steady through the anise-studded finish, accented by hints of charcoal and violet. Reveals a pebbly accent at the very end, keeping this grounded.

Robert Parker
A sleeper of the vintage, this is a beautiful follow-up, in a much more challenging vintage, to their exceptional 2009. Deep plum/purple-hued with a nose of mulberries, black currants and cassis, the wine is dense, medium-bodied, ripe for a 2011, with good underlying acidity and a seriously endowed, layered texture. The tannins are present, but well-integrated and ripe. Drink it over the next 10-12 years.

Wine Notes
A dense wine....Spicy fruit nuances throughout with the minerality of St. Estephe terroir. Amazing performance given the difficult 2011growing conditions.

Cabernet Sauvignon 55% and Merlot 45%. 12.50% Abv.