The 2016 Phelan Segur has been uncorked and other ramblings....

[JimHow]

In the mood for a 2016 tonight after a wild week of wine purchases!!

[Comte Flaneur]

Should be good no?

[JimHow]

Mmm oh yes, this should be really nice with the steak. Just entering a long drinking window, as they say....

[JimHow]

Mmm, well now, 2019 better than 2016(?), let's hold your horses there a bit, little filly....

[JimHow]

For one thing, we have 13.5% in 2016, not 14.5% as in 2019.

[JimHow]

Curious what The Freak thinks about that, the dichotomy between 13.5% in 2016 and 14.5% in 2019. Concerns... Founded? Unfounded?

[Nicklasss]

I almost opened a 2016 red Bordeaux again tonight… but changed my mind for Rioja.

But your final comments tonight might turn me on for 2016 Bordeaux tomorrow!

[greatbxfreak]

Jim,

I did taste both from the barrel, but not yet from the bottle.

I can imagine 2019 being a better wine.

I will visit PS with Alex in about two week's time.

[JimHow]

I found this very 2016, firm and structured but balanced, it reminded me a little of the 2016 Sociando Mallet, there is nothing wrong with drinking it at age 8, it has developed some nice nuances and goes very well with the steak, and will continue to develop and provide St. Estephe notes of berries and cassis for the next couple of decades. Lovely St. Estephe deep ruby, Cos like spices. I am happy to have four more bottles in my cellar, which I will drink over the next 15 years. A very satisfying 2016 that is very representative of this exceptional vintage. I would be curious to try the 2019 up against this. St. Estephe has become firmly ensconced in second place among my favorite Bordeaux appellations, second to Pauillac. Rating: 93 points.

[Ianjaig]

Thanks for the note, Jim. I remember having the 16 at a Bordeaux tasting right before Covid struck and being really impressed with it - finding it to be very traditional in style. I also gave it 93pts. I've been stocking up on this Producer ever since and have the 18, 19, 20 and 21 on the way, as given its price point, consider this to be one of the best value Bordeaux's out there at the moment.

[JimHow]

I've not had this wine a lot over the years, Ian, it was a revelation to spend some time focused on it and examine it's nuances. I too am going to be looking to buy more, especially from 2019 and 2020.