Ségla 2019

A blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Merlot, the 2019 Ségla exhibits aromas of minty cassis, blackberries, rose petals and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and elegant, it's deep and concentrated, with lively acids, powdery tannins and a long, perfumed finish.

The 2019 Ségla has a tertiary, smoky, pencil box scented bouquet, a bit grouchier than its Margaux peers, stubborn in its flush of youth. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, pretty and quite elegant with a keen thread of acidity. There is impressive precision on the finish, quite mineral-driven with a satisfyingly persistent aftertaste. This Deuxième Vin always shines in blind tastings, its seductiveness shining through. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. Drink 2026-2050

Tasted blind at Southwold. Brilliant ruby colour in the glass. Highly refined and subtle nose - layers of violet, blueberry and fresh blackcurrant wound together with savoury cedar and a hint of cocoa. The palate is vertical - fresh and lithe but deep, with subtle ripeness and deceptive intensity. Classically proportioned with a flourish of ripe blueberry and more blackcurrant at the core, this is very well done. Soft but persistent tannins give this a silky mouthfeel and great approachability. Effortlessly delicious.

The 2019 Segla is a blend of 54% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it has pronounced notes of baked plums, boysenberries, and cassis with touches of spice box, fragrant earth, and clove oil. Medium-bodied, it is refreshing and elegant with plenty of freshness and ripe, grainy tannins, finishing with an herbal lift.

The tannins have closed down from its En Primeur showing, suggesting there is a real depth to the fruit. Serious and subdued in feel, needs a good 20 minutes in the glass before showing its grilled cedar and liquorice-strewn cassis fruits.