1997 Chateau Rauzan-Segla
By Chateau Rauzan-Segla
1997 Chateau Rauzan-Segla from Chateau Rauzan-Segla, Margaux, Bordeaux
In the tapestry of Bordeaux's illustrious history, few threads catch the light as beguilingly as the 1997 Chateau Rauzan-Segla from Chateau Rauzan-Segla. While not lauded as the most vaunted year, this vintage marries quiet confidence with layered complexity in a marriage of terroir and time that merits a connoisseur's attention.
The Singularity of '97
Nestled in the luxurious Iatus of Margaux, the 1997 vintage arrives as a diplomat from an era gentle in tannins yet firm in structure. It stands out, courtesy of an early drinking window imbued by that year's mild weather imbroglios. An admirably balanced consort of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot proffers whispers of cassis married to the soft brush of underbrush, telling tales of Margaux's gravelly soils. The '97 vintage is an ode to subtlety over opulence—a neoteric twist on Rauzan-Segla's proud lineage.
An Investment Beyond Time
Those vested in wine investment will find the 1997 Chateau Rauzan-Segla a contemplative addition to their portfolios. The agile aging trajectory espoused by the vintage accentuates its status as one of the more intriguing offers from an estate synonymous with finesse and longevity. Offering a harmonious bouquet plaited with hints of violet, tobacco and a touch of leather, this wine supplants unwarranted exuberance with an elegant sophistication.
The velvety palate is a confluence of dark fruit amidst subtle oak inflections, enveloping the drinker in a sensory narrative that concludes with a delightfully lengthy denouement. All these nuances make the 1997 offering from Chateau Rauzan-Segla not merely a bottle but an experience—a nod to the patient craftsmanship dwelling within its cellar-aged walls.
To capture in words the vinous tableau rendered by the 1997 Chateau Rauzan-Segla from Chateau Rauzan-Segla is to indulge in oenological poetry. This vintage speaks eloquently of its provenance and period, resonating deeply with those who embrace the gentle unfolding of time's passage within their cellar. As it continues to evolve within glass confines, it beckons to both collectors and hedonists alike—an investment that rewards both patience and palate in equal measure.
Market price (HKD)
HK$4,210.00
12x75cl
Highest score
85
POP score
88
Scores and tasting notes
The 1997 Rauzan-Ségla is a blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon and 41% Merlot. Deep brick colored, it provides evolved notes of dusty soil, sandalwood, cigar box and leather with a touch of mincemeat pie. Fading on the medium-bodied palate, there are some lingering remnants of dried black fruits with chewy tannins and some baking spice hints, but not much of a finish here. This one's definitely on the downward swing now.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 9 April 2020