Today we journey to Bordeaux to share the story of a famed left bank house in Margaux. One of the original second growths from the 1855 classification, Rauzan-Ségla was once part of the vast Rausan estate dating back to the mid-1600s. The estate began to separate and has a longtime ownership by the Durand-Dasier family. Then in 1903 the estate was purchased by Frederic Cruse in 1903 who held ownership until 1957, then purchased but John Holt until 1989. At that time the house was sold to Chanel in 1994 who hired a winemaking team of David Orr and John Kolasa from Chateau Latour. Chanel remain the current owners, and they are credited with continuing to push the quality ever higher. In 2014, Nicolas Audebert, the former winemaker at Cheval des Andes was named successor for John Kolasa following his retirement.
Rauzan-Segla is a 130 acre property planted to 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, with an average vine age of 30 years and a vine density of 2,670 to 4,050 plants per acre (6,600 to 10,000 vines/ha). The wine I tried was from the iconic 2009 vintage, which was warm and produced wines that show great ripeness but also a beautiful sense of acidity. I was blown away with the 2009 Chateau Rauzan-Segla (OB, 95) which is a dense, wonderful Margaux, showing gobs of terroir and deep, rich dark fruits. This is really coming of age right now and has decades of life ahead of it. Here is my review of the 2009 Chateau Rauzan-Segla.
2009 Chateau Rauzan-Segla Margaux- Now at the eleven year mark, the 2009 Rauzan-Segla is singing from this glorious vintage on the left bank. A blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Merlot, and not needing any time in the decanter to evolve, immediately layers of coffee grounds and violets brilliantly combine with sandalwood, graphite and black currants all parade together on the bouquet. The palate shows off its smooth, silky texture. Layers of blackberries and dark kirsch tones combine with espresso bean, loamy soils and dark chocolate shavings meld together with firm, very refined tannins. This is truly elegant stuff. The long finish accentuates this gorgeous Margaux as the 2009 Rauzan-Segla has a long life still ahead of it. Drink 2020-2038- 95