2021 Rauzan Segla
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Tasting Notes
Ch. Rauzan-Ségla is a star of Margaux in 2021. In a year of endless challenges, the team here – led by the talented Nicolas Audebert – triumphed against the odds. For them, the key was meticulous management of the vineyard through the growing season and sorting of the fruit at harvest. The resulting wine is 13.5% – vibrant, precise and pure, with an aristocratic profile thanks to the 75% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. The nose has menthol and herbal aromas alongside cassis notes and charred ash tones from the oak. The fruit is distinctly fresh in character, with pristine blackcurrant. Given the cooler year, it’s not as full-bodied as is typical of the estate but is very elegant throughout. The tannins are resolved and supple, with a long, perfumed finish. The team chaptalised some parcels of Cabernet Sauvignon but didn’t use any saignée. The wine is being matured in 60% new oak; the team felt it was important to extract the harshest tannins from the barrels with hot water and steam before filling, given the more delicate style of the year. Blend: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot
Critic Scores
Average Score
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
One of the undeniable successes is the 2021 Château Rauzan-Ségla, which emerges from yields of 38 hectoliters per hectare and is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot. It has remarkable depth and density as well as classic aromas of cassis, tobacco, spicy oak, and subtle floral notes. These all carry to a medium-bodied, concentrated 2021 with polished tannins and a great finish. It's one classy, seamless, elegant Margaux that will drink well right out of the gate yet keep for 20 years.
The 2021 Rauzan-Ségla is absolutely gorgeous. It offers up scents of graphite, savory herbs, licorice, chocolate and plum, all beautifully lifted by strong Cabernet Sauvignon inflections. Naturally, the 2021 doesn't have the mid-palate richness and overall intensity of recent years. Readers will find a tightly wound Margaux that balances classic structure with modern-day precision. I can't wait to see how it ages. Tasted four times.
According to Nicolas Audebert, the 2021 Rauzan Ségla has a reduced proportion of Merlot, as a consequence of which it was felt that the Petit Verdot crowded out the final blend and was thus demoted to the Deuxième Vin. Matured in 60% new oak for an intended 18 months, it has a surprisingly opulent bouquet with conspicuous Merlot that has the hubris to vie for attention with the Cabernet. Very pure and well-defined, this gains intensity in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with very finely chiseled tannins, displaying disarming purity and poise. Minerally on the finish, with just the faintest hint of dark chocolate on the aftertaste. Precision, precision, precision. (13.0% alcohol)
About the producer
The Chanel group purchased Margaux Second Growth Ch. Rauzan-Ségla in 1994. Under the iconic fashion house’s ownership and – since 2014 – the guidance of winemaker Nicolas Audebert, the estate has seen significant investment and rapidly become one of Bordeaux’s most desirable.