Château Rauzan Ségla, 2ème Cru Classé, Margaux, 2020
We were delighted that Rauzan Segla decided to send samples this year. As with everything they do, the process was meticulous and the samples arrived in perfect condition. Produced from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc from yields of just 30hl/ha, the 2020 rendition displays a classical, yet expressive bouquet of pure cassis, flowers, hawthorn, fennel, notes of tapenade and a wonderful graphite minerality. Nicolas Audebert describes Rauzan as a “mosaic expression of diverse plots”. On the palate there is an abundance of silky black fruit, a pure seam of cassis runs straight through the wine, it is clearly dense and compact, however, there’s energy and dynamism that makes this feel light-footed and vibrant. We love Nicolas’ interpretation of Rauzan, there’s a deep rooted classicism to the fruit, it’s true to the terroir, brooding, dark and noble, but the tannin management is technical and modern – the wines have a polish and refinement that make them so alluring. Another triumph from Rauzan.
critic reviews
The 2020 Rauzan-Ségla is very perfumed and delineated on the nose, with vivacious black fruit, cassis and violet blossoming in the glass. The oak is very well integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, quite rounded and plush, but there is backbone and structure here. Very persistent on the finish, this is a Rauzan-Ségla for the ages. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Rauzan-Segla has a deep garnet-purple color. It charges out of the gate with energetic notes of fresh blackberries, cassis, and black cherries, leading to hints of clove oil, violets, and underbrush. The medium-bodied palate has a plush, fine-grained texture and seamless freshness supporting the classically styled flavors, finishing long and perfumed.
The 2020 Rauzan-Segla is showing brilliantly in bottle. Wafting from the glass with aromas of cassis and minty blackberries mingled with violets and licorice, it's medium to full-bodied, suave and seamless, with a deep core of vibrant fruit, beautifully refined tannins and a harmonious, integrated profile that exudes elegance. A wine of immense character and refinement, it's the best vintage from this estate in recent times.
Edge of smoked and salted caramel, along with blackberry, cassis, bilberry, liquourice root, incense, giving depth and character. Elegant, satiny tannins, very much an architecture that makes you stop and appreciate the craftsmanship that has put it all together. Second time tasting this frshly-released vintage in recent weeks, and it's one to savour. 3.74, 60% new oak, harvest September 8 to 29. Nicolas Audbert director, Eric Boissenot consultant.