Chateau Rauzan-Segla 2015

The history of Château Rauzan-Ségla begins under the reign of Louis XIV, when Pierre de Rauzan acquired the estate in 1661. Over time, generations of Rauzan succeed at the head of the property. The reputation of Rauzan-Ségla’s wines is growing remarkably and they are among the most highly rated in Bordeaux.  The Chateau was known to have gained recognition by Thomas Jefferson who, during his journey in the vineyards of Bordeaux, discovered this vintage and ordered several crates. A few years later, the 1855 ranking placed Château Rauzan-Ségla as Second Grand Cru Classé.

Looking, smelling and tasting a glass of Rauzan Segla wine is an invitation to a journey like no other. An adventure that is full of unique and delicious experiences that characterize the fine wines from Bordeaux. To taste a glass of Rauzan-Segla is to savor its fruity freshness and let yourself be transported by its silky smooth texture, the result of over 3 centuries of winemaking expertise. It is to get lost in the eternal pleasures of tasting a fine Bordeaux, safe in the knowledge that it will reveal all its magnificent power over the years to come.  The 2015 Margaux's blend: 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc. 

98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck     I underrated the 2015 Rauzan-Ségla on release. It’s a big, rich, incredibly sexy wine that’s certainly in the same ballpark as the 2016 (and 2018). Full-bodied, ripe, and concentrated, it has a wonderfully expansive, layered texture as well as an incredible sense of balance. Lots of cassis, leafy herbs, flowery incense, and tobacco notes all emerge from this beauty, which offers sweet tannins as well as a huge finish. This is magical stuff that’s going to keep for three decades or more.

97 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate     Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Rauzan-Ségla offers up an expressive nose of baked blackberries, kirsch, warm cassis and baked plums with hints of cigar box and tilled soil. Full-bodied, rich and expansive in the mouth, it has layer upon layer of bold red and black fruit preserves with earthy accents and a velvety texture, finishing long and lively. The blend this year is 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, harvested between September 10th and October 9th, at an average yield of 40 hectoliters per hectare. It was aged for 18 months in French oak, 65% new. The alcohol is 14%.

97 Points - James Suckling     Extremely aromatic with dried flowers, perfumed and sandalwood and blackcurrants. Full body, ultra-fine tannins, a gorgeous core of ripe fruit and blackcurrants and blueberries. Racy and very long. So impressive. This needs four or five years to come around but already so fine.

96 Points - Wine Enthusiast     Structure is the watchword for this wine. With dark tannins and concentration, it obviously has long-term potential. At the same time, the black-currant fruits are ripe and full bodied, giving rich contrast to the tannins. These two elements will allow this wine to age. It will be ready to drink from 2025. Cellar Selection.

96 Points - Decanter     Dating back to 1661, Rauzan-Segla had under-performed for many years prior to its purchase in 1994 by Chanel owners, the Wertheimer family. With significant investment, the estate has regained its former glory. Highly successful in 2015, this is refined, elegant and precise with a bright red/black fruit character and lovely freshness on the palate. It will benefit from a few more years in bottle but undoubtedly has star-quality.

95 Points - Wine Spectator     This takes a very fresh approach, with a seemingly open-knit feel to the mix of mulled raspberry and red currant fruit. Pretty lilac, incense and singed apple wood notes underscore the fruit, while silky but persistent tannins carry the finish. Delivers latent depth and precise balance, so don’t let this early charm fool you, as this should unfurl beautifully in the cellar. Best from 2022 through 2040.