Jacky scored this wine: 96/100

"The King of wines; the wine of Kings" is the motto of this renowned estate, dating back to 1725. This was definitely my feeling when tasting the elegant, highly complex 2012. Fragrant aromas of exotic spice, black and red currants, cedar and violets spring from the glass, gaining in intensity upon aeration. Powerful and brooding, with dense, concentrated layers of rich berry fruit and spice. and firm, fine grained tannins. Lovely, fresh flavours linger on the long finish.

Jacky scored this wine: 95/100

Phélan Ségur, with its fleshy Merlot character and enticing mineral notes, is always an attractive example of Saint-Estèphe. The 2012 doesn't disappoint. The nose is sweet and perfumed, brimming with red and black fruit, violets and earthy minerality. Very harmonious and smooth on the palate; the full body is off-set by bright acidity, a concetrated, fruit-driven core and firm, chewy tannins.

Jacky scored this wine: 95/100

Fragrant aromas of macintosh apple and white flowers are underscored by subtle minerality and brioche notes. Medium bodied on the palate, featuring a nice balance of vibrant, juicy acidity and a layered, softly creamy texture. Just a touch of well integrated new oak lends complexity to the long, lifted finish.

Jacky scored this wine: 95/100

Heady aromas of exotic spice, ripe red and black cherry, black berry and floral notes give this attractive red immediate appeal. An underlying savoury note adds to the aromatic complexity. The fresh acidity is nicely counterbalanced by a dense core of ripe red berry fruit. Very smooth, with a moderately firm structure, fine grained tannins and subtle, well integrated oak. The finish is very long, driven by floral and spice flavours. While the structure would suggest cellaring potential, I feel this red is likely at its pinnacle now while the fresh, primary fruit remains.

Jacky scored this wine: 95/100

Very elegant, with complex mineral driven aromas underscored by macerated apricot, baked yellow apple, citrus and buttery notes. The palate offers lovely harmony, with crisp acidity, an understated creaminess and layered notes of orchard and stone fruits. Tangy, lifted citrus notes and vibrant minerality linger on the persistent finish. Mainly older French oak aging gives a nice, solid framework to this wine, and a pleasing hint of crême brulée.