2012 Chateau Rauzan-Segla
By Chateau Rauzan-Segla
The 2012 Chateau Rauzan-Segla from Chateau Rauzan-Segla, Margaux, Bordeaux
As a seasoned sentinel of Bordeaux's viticultural evolution, one learns to appreciate the subtle embarkations each vintage undertakes. The 2012 Chateau Rauzan-Segla stands as a testament to the resilience and skill of its makers within a challenging year that demanded astute nurturing of the vine and vigilant craftsmanship in the cellar.
A Testament to Tenacity: The 2012 Vintage in Margaux
The narrative of the 2012 Margaux vintage is painted with a palate of perseverance and precision. Amidst an erratic climate that veered from damp coldness to searing heat, Chateau Rauzan-Segla exhibited meticulous attention to detail, ultimately achieving a harvest of grapes with ripe, concentrated flavours. This year is a paragon for collectors who value wines that highlight a vigneron's deft adaptability to the whims of nature.
An Oenophilic Jewel: Crafting the Exquisite
The accomplished 2012 vintage beams with vibrant ruby hues and an aromatic tapestry weaved from dark fruits like cassis and blackberries, stylishly adorned by undertones of violets and tobacco. On the palate, the wine showcases a gracefully structured body; tannins are well-integrated yet assertive, promising a long life ahead. One uncovers layers of complexity – hints of spice, leather, and a minerality quintessential to Margaux terroir. It closes with an elegantly lingering finish that reaffirms its esteemed pedigree.
For fine wine investors, this particular vintage represents an astute addition to any portfolio. The calibre of Chateau Rauzan-Segla's 2012 release from Bordeaux speaks not only to its immediate pleasure but also secures its status as a wine that will continue to unfurl its splendour with time.
Investment Potential Decanted
While it may be easy to overlook a more modest year in favour of more talked-about vintages, connoisseurs will recognise the investment potential nestled within this bottle. The 2012 Chateau Rauzan-Segla, holding steadfast through adversity, stands as a collectible memento—emblematic of the endurance required in both viticulture and wise investing.
In summation, as we ponder upon the bounties bestowed by Chateau Rauzan-Segla's seasoned hands in crafting their 2012 tapestry from Margaux, I raise my glass to both its present vivacity and future allure as one of the many enigmatic chapters in Bordeaux’s enduring oenological narrative.
Market price (HKD)
HK$5,910.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
44.29
Scores and tasting notes
Deep garnet in color, the 2012 Rauzan-Ségla reveals evolving notions of new leather, cigar box and stewed tea over a core of blackcurrant cordial, plum preserves and blueberry compote with touches of cumin seed and fenugreek. Medium-bodied, the palate has a lot of spritely zip with red fruit accents lifting the mature savory and spice notes, framed by grainy tannins, finishing with great tension. The blend this year is 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, harvested between September 27th and October 20th, at an average yield of 36 hectoliters per hectare. It was aged for 18 months in French oak, 70% new. The alcohol is 13.5%, and the pH is 3.67.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 9 April 2020