The 2022 Phelan-Segur Bordeaux Blend from the St. Estephe sub-region of Bordeaux, France, has been positively received by multiple reviewers, with some excellent scores highlighting its standout qualities.
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com gives this wine a score of 96 points, emphasizing its deep color and complex aromatic profile. He notes, "The wine is smoky, with chocolate-covered plums, black raspberries, spices, violets, and cinnamon coming through in the nose." Leve praises its rich, lush, and polished nature, with flavors of "powdered chocolate, black cherries, turmeric, black currants, plums, licorice, and espresso." The blend is composed of 56% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, harvested between September 14-26, with a yield of 28 hectoliters per hectare.
James Suckling from jamessuckling.com awards it an impressive 97 points, describing it as "energetic, with layers of tannins" and "loads of fruit." He compares its opening to a butterfly and notes hints of minerals and iron, calling it potentially the best ever from Phelan-Segur.
Jeb Dunnuck, from jebdunnuck.com, also scores it 96 points, highlighting its "deep purple hue" and "ripe, powerful bouquet of darker currant and cassis-like fruits interwoven with leafy herbs, tobacco, and chocolate." Dunnuck commends its full-bodied, opulent nature, beautiful tannins, and layered mouthfeel, asserting it could surpass the 2018 and 2019 vintages.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, represented by William Kelley, gives it 93 points, appreciating its medium to full-bodied richness and concentration, framed by creamy new oak. Kelley describes it as a "persuasive Saint-Estèphe in a more modern, extracted style."
Jane Anson from janeanson.com scores it 95 points, noting its elegance and balance, with flavors of cassis, cherry pie, and a bitter finish of aniseed and cocoa beans. She remarks on its big tannins and minerality, praising its intensity and grip.
Vinous, awarding it 97 points, describes the wine as "very intense and focused," with a "quintessentially Saint-Estèphe" structure. They highlight its "svelte tannins" and "liberal sprinkling of freshly cracked black pepper."
Decanter, with a score of 95 points, calls it "polished, balanced, and just so drinkable," emphasizing the wine's vibrancy and grippy texture. They note its "ripe bramble and cherry fruit" and "wonderful spiced and mineral signature."
Finally, The Wine Independent scores it 95 points, describing it as "laden with juicy black fruit and red berry sparks," supported by "firm, grainy tannins and wonderful freshness."
Overall, the 2022 Phelan-Segur is a highly acclaimed wine, characterized by its rich fruit flavors, polished texture, and impressive structure, making it a standout Bordeaux Blend from the 2022 vintage.