Tasted single blind at Southwold. Well-well-well. This Phelan-Segur trounced all opposition from nearly every participant. I said that it might ameliorate after barrel ageing but this? It has a very expressive nose with black fruits, cooked meat, scorched earth and a slight garrigues scent coming through. Complex and engaging. A medium-bodied palate, quite grainy, nicely balanced, very clean fruit and very cohesive. Touches of game towards the finish. Great persistency. Good breeding and structure with a slightly austere finish. Vin de garde. The question mark is there because I want to reconfirm this eulogy. Tasted January 2009.

I had hoped this offering would turn out even better, but it is still a tasty, well-made Bordeaux that represents reasonably good value in this super-expensive vintage. Deep ruby to the rim, it offers up scents of damp earth, black currants, cherries, licorice, and herbs, medium body, moderate tannin, and 10-15 years of longevity.