Château Phélan-Ségur, a prominent St. Estèphe estate, stands as a testament to classic winemaking with its robust and enduring St. Estèphe wines. The property's origins trace back to the visionary Irishman Bernard O’Phelan, who laid the foundation for what would become a renowned name in Bordeaux.
These are those top-value wines that we absolutely love, an Honest Grapes’ team favourite, that remain an undisputed benchmark for value in the region.
The estate was reborn as Phélan Ségur in the 20th century by Bernard’s son Frank. The ownership journey continued with Xavier Gardinier's acquisition in 1985, and the Gardinier family, represented by Thierry and Laurent, successfully managed the estate until 2018.
Phelan Segur occupies one of Bordeaux' most promising terroirs, of such quality that in 2010, Montrose purchased 22 hectares at the highest price ever paid in St Estephe! More recently the estate attracted the eye of wealthy shipping investor Philippe Van de Vyvere, who bought the chateau in 2017 for a record-breaking 90 million euros, the highest price ever paid for a Cru Bourgeois. Clearly an estate on the move, with continued investments in both the winery and the vineyards, the magical already released vintages are merely a taste of what's to come!
The Wine
The vineyards, spread across about 70 hectares, thrive on the gravel soils of the Médoc, where Cabernet Sauvignon takes the lead, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The wines of Château Phélan-Ségur reflect the core characteristics of St. Estèphe—substantial, full-bodied, and built to age. The estate's commitment to crafting wines that embody St. Estèphe's character remains steadfast, embracing the heritage while embracing the future.