Frank Phelan "Le 2nd Vin De Chateau Phelan Segur"

Château Phelan Ségur's second label originates from the gravel-dominant terroirs of Saint-Estèphe's Left Bank plateau, where deep Günz gravels over clay subsoil define the estate's core holdings. Elevation ranges 20–35 metres, with south-southwest aspect maximizing ripening potential in this cooler Médoc sector.

Vinification follows Left Bank protocol: hand-harvested fruit undergoes temperature-controlled fermentation in concrete and wooden vats, with extended maceration to extract mid-palate structure. The blend—typically 60% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot—ages 12 months in French oak (30% new), allowing secondary maturation without over-extraction. Malolactic fermentation completes in barrel.

As a second wine, this expression captures the estate's signature earthiness and mineral spine while offering earlier approachability than the grand vin. The 2015 and 2016 vintages show particular balance between ripe dark fruit and the saline, graphite-edged finish characteristic of Saint-Estèphe gravels. Drink 2024–2035.