Fine Wine: Chateau Rauzan-Segla Margaux Bordeaux Vertical 1996-2015

Join us for an exceptional evening tasting three decades of one of Margaux’s leading estates, Château Rauzan-Ségla. This estate is officially categorised as a Deuxièmes Crus (Second Growth) and therefore only second to the five first growths. The evening will discover seven vintages of this world-class producer including 1996, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2015. Four of the vintages are classed as absolutely world-class with two wines (the 2005 and 2015) receiving 97 points.

Château Rauzan-Ségla

Château Rauzan-Ségla and Mouton Rothschild were considered the leading 2emé Cru Classé (2^nd growth) Bordeaux properties during the 19th century. However, while the fortunes of Mouton prospered in the 20th century resulting in an elevation to 1^st growth status in 1973, Rauzan-Ségla`s reputation dwindled and a succession of disappointing wines were produced. In the early 80s 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 75 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 (60% new) for 18 months.

Wines on Tasting (7):

1996

The 1996 Rauzan-Ségla is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. Medium to deep brick colored, the nose is fully mature with notes of old leather, dried herbs, unsmoked cigars and cedar chest plus a waft of menthol and dried figs. Medium-bodied, firm and chewy with some good dried berries and exotic spice flavors left to give on the mid-palate, it finishes just a little puckering and rustic. It makes for a nice glass now, for those that like wines on the mature side, but needs drinking-up within the next 5-6 years. 90 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate (March 2020), March 2020

2001

Deep garnet-brick colored, the 2001 Rauzan-Ségla rolls out of the glass with open, expressive, mature notes of potpourri, star anise, incense and cigar box with a pretty core of kirsch, redcurrant jelly and dried figs. The light to medium-bodied palate delivers mature spice and dried berry layers with a light grip of chewy tannins and bags of freshness, finishing with a peppery kick. The blend this year is 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, harvested between September 28 and October 11 at an average yield of 46 hectoliters per hectare. It was aged for 18 months in French oak, 50% new. The alcohol is 12.5%. 91 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate (March 2020), March 2020

2005

The 2005 Rauzan-Ségla is captivating right from the very first taste. Soaring aromatics and bright veins of minerality confer energy to this statuesque Margaux. The 2005 is still a very young wine. In fact, I would cellar it for a few years. I am blown away by its energy, vibrant and sheer character. Bright red-toned fruit, spice, rose petal, blood orange and crushed rocks literally soar out of the glass. The 2005 captures the richness of the year, but it remains a classically built, mid-weight wine of remarkable freshness and tension. Rauzan-Ségla might very well be the most under the radar Left Bank wine in 2005. Magnificent. 97 points Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, April 2021

2006

On the same qualitative level as this estate's brilliant 2005, but with slightly less sucrosite, this blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot, exhibits a 1986-like personality ,a very successful vintage at Rauzan Segla. Its deep ruby/purple hue is accompanied by sweet aromas of bay leaf, black currants, licorice, truffles, and a touch of toast, dazzling fruit, and plenty of ripe, but not astringent tannin. This is a medium to full-bodied, classic, pure, surprisingly approachable Rauzan Segla. 93 points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (181), February 2009

2008

Deep garnet in color, the 2008 Rauzan-Ségla has a rather rustic nose of sweaty leather, tobacco and dried herbs over a core of dried mulberries, prunes and underbrush. Medium-bodied, the mid-palate has just enough earthy/savory flavors with chewy tannins and a drying finish.The blend this year is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot, harvested between October 2nd and 21st, at an average yield of 47 hectoliters per hectare. It was aged for 18 months in French oak, 60% new. The alcohol is 13.5%. 89 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate (March 2020), March 2020

2010

Deep garnet colored, the 2010 Rauzan-Ségla comes prancing out of the glass with gregarious notes of baked black cherries, mulberries and blackcurrant pastilles plus hints of star anise, cigar box, fragrant soil and lavender. Full-bodied, the palate has wonderfully ripe, velvety tannins supporting the generous, multi-layered fruit, finishing very long and beautifully perfumed. 95 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate (March 2020), March 2020

2015

The 2015 Rauzan-Segla is medium to deep garnet colored. It prances out with gregarious notes of redcurrant jelly, kirsch, and blackcurrant cordial, plus hints of rose oil and cloves with a waft of tree bark. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock full of fragrant red and black fruits, supported by plush, fine-grained tannins and beautiful freshness, finishing with fantastic length. 97 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent, November 2022

A small selection of cheeses will also be served on the evening.