Why it matters
The producer
Bernard Phelan, an Irish entrepreneur, acquired Domaine Le Clos de Garamey in 1805 and Ségur de Cabarnac in 1810, combining the two vineyard properties in Saint-Estèphe to establish Château Phélan-Ségur. The estate makes a grand vin with the capacity for long ageing. Its story begins with land assembled in two purchases, then continues through a château built around that combined property.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Saint-Estèphe is a Bordeaux appellation on the Left Bank. On a bottle, Saint-Estèphe names the appellation, while Château Phélan-Ségur names the estate. The geographical name and the château name therefore carry different information, one describing the wine's place and the other identifying the property that made it.
Wines to know
The range in view
The range is led by a grand vin and includes other estate bottlings. The grand vin is produced at approximately 20,000 cases annually and spends 16 to 18 months in approximately 50% new French oak. In Bordeaux, a grand vin is the estate's principal wine, while other bottlings occupy different positions within the range. French oak ageing can add spice and vanilla notes, while time in barrel can soften tannin and integrate the wine.