92-94

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

The 2023 Phélan Ségur is a powerful, brooding wine. Black cherry, plum, gravel, incense, licorice, dried herbs, lavender and mocha infuse the 2023 with striking complexity. Persistent saline notes lend energy, dimension and shape. The Cabernet Sauvignon really screams with intensity here. Tasted two times. 04/2024

92-94

Neal Martin

Vinous

The 2023 Phélan Ségur was picked September 18 to October 11 at 52hL/ha and matured in 55% new oak. This has a very pure bouquet. You can actually tell that there is less SO2 being employed here since it displays that strong crushed strawberry fruit, almost confit-like character, turning more floral with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins. This is very well balanced, though not a Phélan Ségur laden with huge concentration (the analytical alcohol is a more restrained 13.54%). There is just a touch of balsamic that perks up the finish, while graphite notes join the chorus line toward the close. Quite an "involving" wine in the cards, this will be fascinating to revisit once in bottle. 04/2024

91-93

William Kelley

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2023 Phélan Ségur offers up aromas of cassis, dark berries, licorice and toasty new oak, followed by a medium to full-bodied, deep and nicely concentrated palate with plenty of powdery structuring tannin and good length on the finish. It's a strong effort. 04/2024

92-94

Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck

The Grand Vin 2023 Château Phelan Ségur checks in as 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot. It too is deep ruby purple-hued and offers a brilliant nose of pure cassis, sappy tobacco, flowers, and hints of leather. It's medium to full-bodied, brings good mid-palate concentration, and has integrated tannins and acidity, as well as outstanding length. It's a beautiful, concentrated, elegant 2023 with tons to love. Tasted multiple times, with one sample rating 95, but I'm being conservative with the rating. This has terrific potential. 05/2024

91

Jean-Marc Quarin

Jean-Marc Quarin

Couleur sombre et pourpre. Nez intense, fin, pur, fruité. Touche de fruits noirs et de vanille. Délicat à l'attaque, raffiné au milieu, avec un toucher soyeux, le vin se développe parfumé. Il présente un déroulé plus tempéré que parfois qui favorise une perception plus allongée que je préfère. Jolie longueur sans boisé, sans marquer le tannin. Assemblage un peu plus en faveur du cabernet sauvignon que de coutume : 60 % cabernet sauvignon, 38 % merlot, 2 % petit verdot. Degré d'alcool : 13,5° - pH : 3,83 - IPT : 80. 04/2024

96-97

James Suckling

James Suckling

The polish and intensity of this wine is beautiful for the vintage, with blackcurrant, lead pencil and light chocolate character. It’s medium- to full-bodied with well-integrated fruit and tannins, and a long finish. Velvet texture. Excellent potential. Fermented from selected yeast from the various parcels. 58% cabernet sauvignon, 39% merlot, 1.5% petit verdot, and 1.5% cabernet franc. Let’s see which is better in the end, 2022 or 2023. 04/2024