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Rauzan-Segla - Margaux
An Atherton Wine Imports Featured Bordeaux
In the 1855 Classifications Rauzan-Segla and Mouton Rothschild were considered the greatest of the Second Growths. Now that Mouton has been elevated, Rauzan-Segla is officially the top wine in its class. It is a Vin de Garde – classy, complex, well-structured and very long-lived. Some vintages from the 1800s are still fantastic today but even young wines show the typical Margaux perfume and elegance.
In 1661, the estate was acquired by Pierre des Mesures de Rauzan, a merchant in Bordeaux who gave his name to the Chateau. Pierre and his ancestors made excellent wine and in 1790 Rauzan-Segla was recognized by Thomas Jefferson as one of the best wines in the Medoc. In 1903, Rauzan-Segla was acquired by Fredric Cruse who built the actual Chateau and replanted the vineyard after phyloxera was eradicated. The Cruse family sold the property in 1957 and it changed hands various times until the Wertheimer brothers (who own Chanel) took over in 1994. Manager John Kolasa has since directed major investments in the cellar and the vineyard that will ensure Rauzan-Segla’s place among the elite of Bordeaux.
Robert Parker says: “Readers should keep an eye out for Rauzan-Segla as they have invested heavily in a new cuverie with double triage tables installed in time for the 2004 vintage. It appears that the owners, the Chanel firm, backed up by their talented manager John Kolasa, are aspiring to even higher quality at Rauzan-Segla.” (WA, April 2005)
Quick Facts:
- Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon (54%), Merlot (41%), Petite Verdot and Cabernet Franc (5%)
- Vineyard: 126 acres. Average age of the vines is about 30 years
- Yields: Average of only 40-45 hectoliters per hectare
- Elevage: Six to eight day fermentation followed by 10 to 14 day maceration in temperature controlled stainless steel vats. Aged 18 to 20 months in 65% new oak. Fined but not filtered
Recent Scores
- 2005: WS 95-100, WA 92-94
- 2004: WS 89-91, Decanter 18/20
- 2003: WS 92-94
- 2002: WA 90, WS 89
- 2001: WS 91, Intl. Trophy Winner – Decanter World Wine Awards, Nov. 2005
- 2000: WS 95