2018 Rauzan-Segla (750ml)

Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaux, Bordeaux, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Hailed as “irresistible,” “stunning” and “absolutely superb” by critics across the board, the outstanding 99 pt. 2018 and 98 pt. 2019 Chateau Rauzan-Segla live up to the Chateau’s rising star reputation as “an estate that can do no wrong” according to Jeb Dunnuck, a pair of lush Left Bank blends offering layers of opulent dark fruit hinting of graphite with refined, polished tannins that promise longevity and ranking among Margaux’s top rated Grand Vins at a fraction of the price of its high profile peers.

Located a short walk from the village of Margaux, Chateau Rauzan-Segla has been owned by the Wertheimer family of the fashion house Chanel since 1984, their game-changing investments including hiring First Growth Chateau Latour’s team of chairman David Orr and winemaker John Kolasa to manage the Super Second estate’s complete restoration and revitalization. Now crafted by former Krug and Cheval des Andes winemaker Nicolas Audebert, the estate’s 70 hectares of organically farmed vineyards are divided into 100 distinct parcels with some close to First Growth Chateau Margaux, planted mainly to Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and small amounts of Petit Verdot and Cab Franc on gently sloping parcels boasting a range of diverse soils ranging from deep gravel to a mix of sand and blue clay. Aged for 18 months in 65% new French oak, the full-bodied and elegant 99 pt. 2018 Chateau Rauzan-Segla is described by Antonio Galloni of Vinous as “a drop dead gorgeous Rauzan that will leave readers weak in the knees” with “off the charts intensity and richness,” while the Wine Independent’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown sums it up as “a thoroughbred Margaux for sure.” From “unquestionably an extremely successful vintage in Margaux” according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson, the thrilling 98 pt. 2019 Chateau Rauzan-Segla is “deep and layered, with beautifully refined tannins, lively acids and a long, perfumed finish” according to the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley, both vintages robustly structured to reward patient Bordeaux lovers with pleasurable drinking over the next three decades.

Described by Jeb Dunnuck as an estate “firing on all cylinders,” Chateau Rauzan-Segla has risen to the top of the Margaux appellation, the alluring 99 pt. 2018 and 98 pt. 2019 Chateau Rauzan-Segla a duo of elegant, sumptuous Margaux blends offering First Growth complexity and longevity at a not to be missed value price.

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Reminding me of the 2016, the 2018 Château Rauzan-Segla reveals this beautifully fresh, complex bouquet that still has serious richness and depth. Based on 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, raised in 65% new barrels, it offers a dense purple hue to go with gorgeous notes of blackcurrants, spring flowers, cigar wrapper, and sandalwood. A quintessential Margaux with its spicy, complex, floral character, it's full-bodied and has a supple, elegant texture, no hard edges, a solid spine of acidity, and a great, great finish. This is a brilliant, heavenly 2018 to enjoy over the coming 30 years or more.

99 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Mar 2021)

Aromas of crushed blackberries and blueberries with dried flowers and bark, following through to a full body with a tight and powerful palate of beautiful fruit and chewy yet polished tannins that are compressed and impressive. Extremely linear and intense. Muscular, in a toned way. Yet it opens in the mouth at you taste it. 60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% merlot. Drink after 2025.

99 points, James Suckling (Feb 2022)

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!

98 points, Wine Advocate (Mar 2021)

The 2018 Rauzan-Ségla is fabulous. Inky, rich and explosive, the 2018 offers tremendous depth and soaring intensity. Super-ripe red cherry, cedar, tobacco, mint and spice all build over time, framed by incomparably silky, polished tannins. Today, the 2018 is dense and packed. I expect it will develop into a stunning Margaux in another 10-15 years or so. Actually, it already is.

97+ points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Mar 2021)

The 2018 Rauzan-Segla has a deep garnet purple color. It is a little closed to begin, unfurling to reveal notes of blackcurrant cordial, juicy blackberries, and mulberries, plus hints of cedar chest, pencil lead, and wild sage. Full-bodied, rich, concentrated and with a firm structure of grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, it finishes long and layered. Built for the long haul!

97+ points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Feb 2023)

Warm-hearted and rich with black-plum and dark-chocolate flavors, this wine comes from one of the properties owned by the Chanel luxury group. The dense tannins and generous fruits are typical of wines from this top estate. Drink from 2027.

97 points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast (May 2021)

Luscious aromatics of ripe figs, blackberry puree, red liqourice, the tannins are supple and even a little melted at five years old, although there are plenty of them, and they are still fully in control. The floral waves of violet, roses and raspberry leaf that so often accompany Rauzan Ségla are present even in this hot year, with low yields of 32hl/h after mildew early in the season (any impacted vines were harvested, sorted and vinified separately). 65% new oak, 32hl/h yield, 3.8ph. Nicolas Audbert director, Eric Boissenot consultant.

97 points, Jane Anson (Mar 2023)

Alcohol By Volume: 14.5%

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$119.88

Compare At: $129.99

This item is a pre-order estimated to arrive 11/30/2024. 60+ bottles available.

This item is available in original wood case. Would you like to include the wood case in your order? There is an additional $12.00 shipping fee for wood cases.

Available in Original Wood Case of 6

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