Château Rauzan Ségla, 2ème Cru Classé, Margaux, 2009
Tasted on numerous occasions (and at every opportunity), this Chanel owned property is back on tip top form. One of the outstanding successes from the Margaux commune, Rauzan Segla has produced a spellbinding 2009, which offers a mass of floral aromas; a veritable vase of violets, juicy black cherries, cassis and fine minerals. Although very refined this has serious concentration, power and structure. There is ample sexy, creamy fruit on the palate, framed by the wonderfully constructed and not insubstantial tannins. A really impressive Rauzan that wows yet remains true to its terroir.
critic reviews
So delicious, luscious olive pit, cappuccino, cassis and brambled hedgerow, shot through with curling incense aromatics, 50% new oak, harvest September 22 to October 11. As with all the older vintages, the blend at this point is just with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. John Kolasa director. 50% new oak for ageing, 41hl/h yield. This vintage had a label designed by Karl Lagerfeld.
Enticing brambled fruit on the nose, we are in top tier 2009 here, delicious creamy fruit, well placed and slowly uncurling, cocoa bean, cappuccino, graphite, right up there in terms of what you want from classified Margaux in these great vintages - ready to drink, John Kolasa director. 50% new oak for ageing, 41hl/h yield. This vintage had a label designed by Karl Largerfeld.
The 2009 Rauzan-Ségla has a classic, reserved but well-defined bouquet with blackberry, bilberry, cedar, light tobacco and violet scents, gradually gaining intensity with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin and a silky texture, not quite as complex as 2011 but well balanced. The acidity is nicely judged. There is more red fruit towards the candied finish with hints of brown sugar and brown spices. Given my adoration for this Margaux cru, I might have expected more, though it remains a lovely wine. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting.