One of the original Second Growths of the Bordeaux Classification of 1855, Rauzan-Ségla's 51 hectares of mineral rich soils begin on the banks of the Gironde, on the left bank of Bordeaux. A complex mix of gravel, clay and limestone subsoil imparts a richness and complexity to the Cabernet (62%), Merlot (36%), Cabernet Franc (1%) and Petit Verdot (1%) grapes used to produce this powerfully intense and elegant wine.
The estate was last sold in 1994 to the Wertheimer family of Chanel, who employed former Château Latour winemakers, David Orr and John Kolasa. Nicolas Audebert, the former winemaker at Cheval des Andes, the LVMH property in Mendoza Argentina, was hired to succeed John Kolasa following his retirement in 2014.
91-94/100 Robert Parker Jr. Representing only 42% of the total vineyard production, the 2011 Rauzan Segla is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. The 2011 possesses some characteristics reminiscent of the estate’s fabulous 1986, both wines sharing great intensity, structure and formidable aging potential. Moreover, analytically, the 2011 has similar numbers to both the 2009 and 2010, which is remarkable given the overall weather conditions in Bordeaux during the 2011 growing season. The natural alcohol is 13% and the wine is full-bodied, but this 2011 will require patience as it needs a minimum of 5-6 years to become drinkable. It should keep for two decades or more.
91-93/100 Andrew Caillard MW. Medium deep colour. Fresh cassis/ plum/ vanilla/ toasty aromas. Dark rich voluminous wine with dark cherry/ dark plum fruit, brambly dry tannins. Muscular and elemental, but powerful and expressive.
18/20 Steven Spurrier, Decanter. Very good concentration of blackcurrant Cabernet fruit, lots of energy and vineyard length, a beautifully extracted wine with elegance and depth, classic Margaux. Drink 2016-2030.
On Bordeaux’s Left Bank, near the southern end of the Haut-Médoc, lies Margaux, one of the most celebrated villages in the world of wine. Margaux is home to Château Margaux, the revered first-growth property, as well as 20 more Grand Cru Classé estates ranked in the 1855 classification of Bordeaux. The acclaimed wine of Margaux benefits from the diverse soil types in the appellation.
In general, Margaux has a very thin layer of topsoil, and the very best vineyards, above the Gironde River, have gravelly soils that encourage deep root growth and allow for good drainage. Because of the variations in soil, Margaux wines can range from delicately flavoured to highly concentrated, from medium- to full-bodied. Yet all Margaux wines share a fragrant bouquet, silky texture and remarkable balance. Cabernet Sauvignon dominates in the wines of Margaux, as it does throughout the Left Bank, with Merlot and Cabernet Franc used in small percentages for blending. Because of their excellent aging potential, the best Margaux wines are prized by collectors.
