1961 Château Rauzan-Ségla
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Tasting notes
The 1961 Rauzan-Ségla is served blind in Bordeaux coming directly from the cellar. It has a deep, slightly turbid colour. The bouquet is unmistakably 1961 due to its telltale marine/brine scent that permeated the black fruit, a little rustic in style and certainly lacking the finesse of the imperious 1961 Palmer, yet with a modicum of charm. The palate is well balanced with a firm, thickset tannin that render it an unapologetically masculine Margaux. There is admirable body and plenty of freshness, saline in style with hints of Japanese seaweed towards the finish. It is certainly not a refined or even profound 1961, mostly because the winemaking during this era was not top class. However, it is certainly a thoroughly enjoyable wine after so many years and should hold up well for another decade subject to provenance. 153 barrels produced. Tasted blind at a private dinner in Bordeaux.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Not a noteworthy 1961, Rauzan-Segla is a ripe, fruity, somewhat awkward and disjointed wine. While the wine tastes jammy, diffuse, and finishes flat, it nevertheless has appeal, as well as plenty of concentration and power. Anticipated maturity: Now-may be in decline. Last tasted, 9/79.
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.