CHATEAU RAUZAN-SEGLA 2eme Grand Cru Classe, Margaux 2021 Bottle 13%abv MV*

Description

MV* = Market Value - No Further Discount Possible

Château Rauzan-Ségla and Mouton Rothschild were considered the leading 2emé Cru Classé Bordeaux properties during the 19th century. However, while the fortunes of Mouton prospered in the 20th century, culminating in its elevation to 1er Cru status in 1973, Rauzan-Ségla`s reputation dwindled and a succession of disappointing wines were produced.

In the early 80s the Rauzan-Segla was sold and the renaissance began. The eminent Professor Peynaud was appointed as a consultant and the proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend was increased, as was the proportion of new oak used in the maturation process. In 1986, a brand-new cuverie was built.

A succession of eye-catching wines were produced at Rauzan-Ségla in the mid to late 80s and early 1990s. Rauzan-Segla was bought by Chanel in 1994.

There are now 45 hectares of vineyards at Rauzan-Ségla and the grapes (63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc) are fermented in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks. The wine is then matured in barriques

Blend : 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot
PH : 3,72
Yield : 38hl/ha
Ageing : 18 months (60% new oak)
Abv : 13%

THE WINE ADVOCATE Rating (93 - 95)
Reviewed by William Kelley
Issue Date 29th Apr 2022
Source Issue 260 End of April 2022, The Wine Advocate
"Representing around 44% of the estate's production (more or less as usual), the 2021 Rauzan-Ségla unwinds in the glass with aromas of minty cassis, blackberries, loamy soil, dark chocolate and warm spices. Medium to full-bodied, deep and impressively concentrated, it's layered and seamless, with a sweet core of fruit, powdery tannins, lively acids and an impressively penetrating finish. The Rauzan team opted to ferment Merlot rather cooler than normal this year to moderate extraction. Tasted six times."

DECANTER Score 96
Tasted by Georgina Hindle (at Bordeaux, 01 Apr 2022)
Part of Bordeaux 2021 wines: Our en primeur verdict
"A showstopper of a wine for me in 2021. Wonderful aromatic intensity on the nose filled with perfumed fruits, chocolate and wild flowers. Gorgeous clarity and precision, the tannins are fine and powdery supporting the vibrant and energetic purple and black fruit; zingy blackcurrant, strawberry, cherry and plum with an overall creamy chalky texture and grip. Elegant and glamorous - so much styling on show, it feels polished and pristine with clear markings from the terroir but no harshness or austerity just great acidity and liveliness. Such mouthwatering salivation and lift at the end making you want another glass just to taste it again. Tasted twice and both times I loved it. Pure and precise with everything you want from a 2021. A yield of 38hl/ha. Ageing 18 months, 60% new barrels. Drinking Window 2026 - 2049."

JAMES SUCKLING Score 94-95
"A firm and linear wine with crushed stone and some citrusy acidity, Medium body, creamy tannins and a fresh finish. Lively at the end. Currant, blackberry and fresh tobacco in the aftertaste. 75% cabernet sauvignon."

JANCIS ROBINSON Score 17
Drink 2026 - 2042
75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot. Cask sample.
"Pretty solid crimson. Much more complex nose than the Rauzan-Gassies. Sweet start and very polished tannins. A saline note adds interest. No sign of oak. The finish is impressively long and interesting without any dryness nor any excess of acidity. Very well judged and very Margaux though the opposite of concentrated or flashy. Complete and already relatively accessible."

E&OE - Errors & Omissions Excepted