Chateau Phelan Segur 2006 – Saint Estephe

Bought the wine while in Bordeaux. Had it on FRI evening with turkey liver roasted with vegetables. The light bitterness of the liver found good corresponding flavors in this Saint Estephe.

2006 Chateau Phelan Segur – Saint Estephe

Dark ruby red colored. A classic Bordeaux nose, tight, developed, a lot of stinky-barnyard aromas mixed with light red fruit: red currant, plenty of coffee bean, black tea, cocoa, tobacco and smoke. This is not a wine for lovers of fruity aromas. Medium bodied, with assertive tannins, more red fruit on the palate than on the nose: red currant and cherry, nicely mixed with earth, tobacco and tar. A medium plus finish with pronounced black tea and coffee bean in the aftertaste. Charming bitterness and good grip on the finish. A classic Bordeaux with firm tannins, more mineral and earthy and less fruit. (88-89/100)

I have to admit that I liked more the Chateau Le Crock 2005 I had last week, as it had a better complexity(2005 was a stellar vintage in Bordeaux, while 2006 was not that great) and it was also cheaper than the Phelan Segur (23 Eur vs 30 Eur). However, both wines are very well made, with firm backbones and capable of aging well. It is hard to resist a classic Bordeaux that goes so well with food and I really started to enjoy more and more this type of wines.