Composed of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, the 2009 Phelan Segur is medium to deep garnet in color. It conjures up the most gorgeous perfume of chocolate-covered cherries, candied violets, and warm cassis, giving way to nuances of tar, underbrush, and licorice. The medium-bodied palate is chock full of juicy black fruits and floral nuances, framed by beautifully ripe, plush tannins and fantastic tension, finishing long and perfumed.

The 2009 Phélan-Ségur has a more generous and slightly more exotic bouquet than its peers with plush red cherry, redcurrant, soy and forest floor aromas that soar from the glass. Thankfully it maintains ample freshness and focus. The palate is medium-bodied with gentle grip, quite firm and slightly chalky tannin with unerring symmetry and tension towards the finish that is pure class. This is an outstanding contribution to the vintage and it surely constitutes one of the best wines ever made at the estate. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting.