2018 Chateau Rauzan-Segla
By Chateau Rauzan-Segla
2018 Chateau Rauzan-Segla from Chateau Rauzan-Segla, Margaux, Bordeaux
The emblematic terroir of Margaux has once again articulated its prowess through the 2018 Chateau Rauzan-Segla from the venerable Chateau Rauzan-Segla. This vintage stands as a testament to the chateau’s adept handling of a particularly challenging growing season, sculpting a narrative of triumph for fine wine aficionados and investors alike.
A Harmonious Expression of Power and Elegance
Marked by a tumultuous climatic beginning, the 2018 growing year evolved remarkably, delivering superb fruit quality by harvest time. This transition is exquisitely mirrored in the complex profile of the 2018 Chateau Rauzan-Segla, where an initial intensity submits gracefully to layers of finesse. The wine showcases the quintessential balance synonymous with Margaux, carrying vibrant dark fruit notes interwoven with subtle tannic structure and a whisper of smoky oak that will assuredly evolve beautifully over time.
Craftsmanship and Aging Potential: A Gilded Edge
The 2018 vintage exudes a distinct character marked by dense, yet meticulously polished structure. Its depth—a flamboyant display of cassis, violets, and graphite—is enrobed within the velvety caress of silken tannins, suggesting an aging potential that astute investors regard as a gilded edge. The crafting finesse that Chateau Rauzan-Segla imparts on their creation is evident in every sip.
As this remarkable wine matures, its already considerable complexity will unfurl further into a decadent symphony that entices both palate and portfolio. A captivating investment opportunity, the 2018 Chateau Rauzan-Segla radiates with the promise of maturation dividends.
In summary, this particular incarnation from Chateau Rauzan-Segla magnificently weaves together the threads of adversity into a tapestry of vinous splendour that reflects both its lineage and its remarkable vintage year. With savvy cellar management and an eye towards future development, adding the 2018 Chateau Rauzan-Segla to one’s investment repertoire could yield rich rewards in terms of both sensory pleasure and potential returns.
Current market price
£800.00
12x75cl
Highest score
99
POP score
42.11
Scores and tasting notes
This is one of the most structured and deep Rauzans I have tasted with a full body, layers of fruit and a firm and polished tannin backbone. Compact and composed. Such depth and power. 60 per cent cabernet sauvignon and 40 per cent merlot.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com - April 2019
The 2018 Rauzan-Ségla is fabulous. Regal and soaring in the glass, Rauzan-Ségla is simply unforgettable. Stunning aromatics and layers of flavor develop in the glass in a drop-dead gorgeous Rauzan that will leave readers weak at the knees. Inky and explosive, the 2018 possesses off the charts intensity and richness. Leather, licorice, spice and grilled herbs add nuance as the 2018 builds to a huge crescendo of aromas, flavors and textures on the finish. I won't be surprised if one day the 2018 is considered among the greatest Rauzan-Séglas of all time. It is a tremendous achievement by the property and the team lead by Technical Director Nicolas Audebert. Don't miss it! Tasted four times.
Antonio Galloni - Vinous - April 2019
The 2018 Rauzan-Ségla is blended of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested from September 27 to October 11; Merlot from September 13-27; Cabernet Franc on September 28; and Petit Verdot from September 28-29. The wine has 14% alcohol and aging is anticipated to be 18 months in barriques, 65% new. Deep purple-black in color, it comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant notes of warm plums, crème de cassis, Black Forest cake and candied violets with hints of mocha, Indian spices and fragrant earth plus a waft of crushed rocks. Full-bodied, multilayered and sporting a lot of freshness and tension in the mouth in spite of all its decadent perfumed black fruits, it has a firm, finely grained frame and seamless freshness, finishing long and fragrant. Seduction in a glass.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 23rd April 2019
The 2018 Rauzan-Ségla is composed of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. The wine has 14% alcohol, and it was aged for around 18 months in barriques, 65% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it comes galloping out of the glass with powerful, energetic scents of crushed black cherries, blackcurrant cordial and mulberries, plus suggestions of violets, star anise, chocolate mint and crushed rocks with a touch of tobacco leaf. The medium to full-bodied palate is jam-packed with taut, muscular black fruit layers, supported by firm, ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing with fantastic length and loads of earthy sparks. This is a thoroughbred Margaux, for sure, possessing amazing power in a very sleek, sophisticated package. Give it 5-7 years in bottle to unlock all those earth, floral and mineral nuances and drink it over the next 40 years or more. An incredible achievement that adeptly sidesteps the potentially overwhelming stamps of this extreme vintage. Bravo to Technical Director Nicolas Audebert and the team at Rauzan-Ségla!
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2021
Very concentrated, atypically so for Margaux, with sappy kirsch and plum reduction notes that are well-defined and luxurious in feel, draping beautifully over a graphite underpinning on the finish. Very long.—J.M.
James Molesworth - Wine Spectator - April 2019
Rauzan-Ségla is here proclaiming its right to be considered among the wines of the year in Margaux. In the Chanel stable, Canon has had the edge for me in the past few vintges, but here Rauzan Ségla comes roaring back with its mix of elegance and confidence matched by perfectly ripe, Cabernet-dominant fruit. There's a slightly higher percentage of Merlot than usual - partly because it was so good this year and partly because the concentration in the Cabernets took the yields down (a real feature of the vintage, they were at 32hl/ha here). The Merlot adds flesh through the mid-palate, which is followed by freshly crushed mint on the finish which adds precision and lift. Great quality. 3.8pH. 2% Cabernet Franc completes the blend.
Jane Anson - Decanter - April 2019