At a glance

Producer

Château Phélan Ségur

Region

Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$60-$85

Tasting profile

Intense aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, graphite, and subtle floral notes; palate offers concentrated dark fruit, robust tannins, and mineral undertones.

Evolution: Will gain layered complexity, softer tannins, and tertiary notes of leather, tobacco, and earth with age.

At peak: Expect a fully integrated, harmonious wine with elegant fruit and nuanced layers around years 8-15 post-vintage.

Structure

Acidity

Balanced, fresh acidity maintaining vibrancy

Tannins

Firm and structured, typical of Saint-Estèphe

Alcohol

13.5% ABV

Aging potential

Excellent aging potential of 20+ years from vintage due to quality of fruit and balanced tannins

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2055

Optimal window

2024 to 2058

Current status

Approaching early maturity

Current condition

Wine shows good structure with developing complexity; tannins are firm but integrating well.

2016 was a highly rated vintage in Bordeaux, especially for the Médoc. Château Phélan Ségur, classified as Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel with top-notch terroir and winemaking, produces wines built to age. Its firm tannin structure, balanced acidity, and ripe fruit allow for a long maturation trajectory, supporting a drinking window extending more than 20 years. Current maturity indicates good early drinking, with peak quality targeted several years forward.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with red meats such as roasted lamb, grilled steak, game birds, and aged cheeses. Also harmonious with hearty stews and dishes enriched with mushroom or truffle.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften tannins and open complex aromas before consumption.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Château Phélan Ségur implements sustainable practices typical of many Bordeaux estates including soil management, limited chemical use, and efforts toward reducing water consumption; energy use improvements ongoing.

While not explicitly certified organic or biodynamic, Château Phélan Ségur follows several sustainable viticultural practices aimed at maintaining terroir health and lowering environmental impact. Packaging uses traditional Bordeaux bottles and cork closures. Overall, sustainability is moderate with opportunity for improvement in certification transparency and carbon footprint reduction.