Frank Phélan Saint-Estèphe 2018
Frank Phélan Saint-Estèphe 2018 is the second wine of Château Phélan Ségur, offering a superb introduction to the character and pedigree of one of Saint-Estèphe's best-known estates.
From an excellent Bordeaux vintage, it combines ripe blackcurrant, blackberry and plum with classic notes of cedar, spice and subtle tobacco, all supported by smooth, finely integrated tannins. The 2018 is particularly appealing now, having gained softness and complexity with bottle age while retaining the structure and freshness expected from the Left Bank.
Made from 57% Cabernet Sauvignon and 43% Merlot, this is proper classic Bordeaux: structured and savoury rather than overtly fruity, but considerably more approachable than many young Saint-Estèphe wines.
A great choice for customers looking to move into mature claret without the price of a Grand Vin, and an excellent partner for roast beef, steak or lamb.
France
Bordeaux
Blend
750ml
14%
2018
Saint-EstèpheFrank Phélan is a medium- to full-bodied, dry Bordeaux red with plenty of dark fruit but also the savoury, structured character associated with Saint-Estèphe.
Think blackcurrant and blackberry rather than sweet jammy fruit, together with cedar, spice and subtle earthy flavours. At 2018, the tannins have had time to soften, so you're getting some of the complexity of mature Bordeaux without the wine feeling old or tired.
If you enjoy Rioja Reserva, Cabernet Sauvignon or structured Ribera del Duero, this is an excellent step into classic Bordeaux – less fruit-forward, more savoury and refined, with plenty of depth.
- Nose: Expressive and classically Bordeaux, with blackcurrant, blackberry and ripe red fruit accompanied by cedar, gentle spice and increasingly savoury notes as the wine opens.
- Palate: Smooth and generous on entry, with ripe cassis and dark berry fruit supported by fine, silky tannins. Cedar, subtle oak and savoury spice provide complexity while good acidity keeps the wine fresh and balanced.
- Finish: Persistent and elegant, with lingering dark fruit, cedar and gentle savoury spice. The tannins are now becoming beautifully integrated with bottle age.
- Roast Beef – Cabernet's structure and dark fruit are a classic match for beef.
- Grilled Steak – Rich meat softens the tannins and complements the wine's savoury depth.
- Roast Lamb – Dark fruit and cedar work beautifully with tender, richly flavoured lamb.
- Beef Wellington – Mushroom and beef flavours complement the wine's developing maturity.
- Game Birds – Savoury flavours suit the elegant, earthy side of mature Bordeaux.
- Mature Hard Cheese – Firm, savoury cheeses work particularly well with its tannins and fruit.
- Serve at 16–18°C – Slightly below room temperature keeps the wine fresh and balanced.
- Decant for around 30 minutes – Enough time to allow the aromas to open without overexposing a wine now developing bottle maturity.
- Use a large Bordeaux glass – Helps reveal the cassis, cedar and savoury complexity.
- Drink now or continue cellaring – The 2018 is entering a very attractive drinking stage, but well-stored bottles should continue to develop.
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