| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Margaux |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This is showing really well right now with an exuberance and richness that verges on extravagance. It's full-bodied, firmly textured with ripe and rich fruit too. So much berry, spice, chocolate and incense character. Love to drink it now but a long life ahead of it.
The 2005 Rauzan Segla is made from 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-brick in color, it prances out of the glass with showy notes of Morello cherries, blackcurrant pastilles, and candied violets with hints of pencil lead, crushed rocks, and clove oil, plus a suggestion of sandalwood. The medium to full-bodied palate is bright and youthful with taut, muscular red and black fruit layers beautifully framed by firm, ripe, grainy tannins and amazing freshness, finishing long, long, long. A compelling, spine-tingling glass to enjoy right now, this should easily cellar for a further 30 years+. Owned by Chanel since 1994, John Kolasa came on board that same year. He swiftly instigated a strict selection process, introducing the second label, Segla, in 1995. One of the cornerstones of Kolasa’s ambitions for the estate included transforming the previously neglected vineyards with a strict replanting regime for the diseased / eutypa-affected vines at the higher density of 10,000 vines per hectare, the installation of a new drainage system, and the inclusion of Petit Verdot in the mix, which was not present in the vineyards prior to Kolasa’s arrival. With this spectacular 2005, we can begin to see the fruits of Kolasa's labors.
The 2005 Rauzan-Segla displays notes of bay leaf, blackcurrants, earth and spice. It has a very youthful, dense ruby/plum/purple color, a medium to full body, with tannins still present and a nice, spicy aftertaste. The wine is firm and still somewhat adolescent. Give it another 3-4 years, and drink it over the following 15-20. Drink 2018 - 2039.
Spiced sandalwood, red peppers and dark chocolate, old school in character compared to today's Rauzan Ségla, but this is lovely, with waves of crushed roses and plenty of Margaux finesse running through it, well balanced with subtle tannins exerting pressure, holding on for a mouthwatering finish. 39hl/h yield, harvest Septeber 21 to October 7. 70% new oak. John Kolasa director.
Tasted blind. Mid crimson. Real interest and complexity on the nose. Very readable and with a hint of violets. On the verge of skinny, but good balance. Marked acidity.
Drink 2016-2035
Good full red-ruby. Inviting, expressive aromas of plum, redcurrant, mocha, coffee, game, flowers and nutty oak. Sweet, fat and stuffed with fruit; quite silky in texture but a bit less refined than the 2006 in spite of its greater richness. Fairly full wine, finishing with lovely lingering perfume as well as slightly edgy tannins that will require a decade of cellaring.
Black-red, terrific concentration of floral, fragrant fruit, wonderful ripeness and sense of place, suave, smooth, totally ripe with superb tannins that add even more class. Drink 2010-30.
Lovely fragrant aromas, fresh and classy. A delicious wine with the fresh ripe fruit, the vintage finesse of Margaux. A tight core now. Drink from 2013. Awarded 5 stars.
Came 44th out of 184 wines
One of the most beautiful Rauzan-Seglas made in decades, this blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest primarily Merlot and tiny dollops of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot exhibits a gorgeous perfume of spring flowers, subtle mint, black cherries, black currants, licorice, and a hint of new oak. It offers medium to full body, sweet tannins, and a layered mouthfeel that builds incrementally to a sensational finish. Although this beauty is performing well, it remains a decade away from its plateau of maturity. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2030+.
I partnered this with a bottle of Château Rauzan-Segla 2005. Yes, too young, but that was the year of my nuptials. I had encountered a bottle back in March that I felt was not quite right and this proved me right: a gorgeous Margaux defined by the fineness of its tannins, sumptuousness and purity of fruit and a wondrous articulation of its appéllation. Given that it is not quite as expensive as many other Grand Cru Classé from this fecund millésime, I cannot recommend it enough, especially as it seems more approachable than many of its peers.
Tasted single blind at Southwold. After a couple of vexing showing out of barrel, this Rauzan-Segla is finally proving its mettle and I happily upgrade my score. Tasted blind, it shines amongst its peers with a well defined nose: blackberry, crushed stones and a touch of oyster shell. Great clarity. This is very well balanced on the palate, nice acidity, fresh, tannic backbone and really great focus. Sophisticated from start to finish. It has beautifully interwoven oak. This will be a great Rauzan-Segla but as always it needs patient cellaring. Drink 2015-2030+ Tasted January 2009.
Very beautiful aromas of crushed berry, flowers, currant and Indian spices follow through to a full body, with ultrafine tannins and a long, long finish. Extremely polished and beautiful, with a seamless texture. Best after 2014. 10,000 cases made.
Beautiful aromas of blackberries, chocolate, coffee and currants. Full-bodied, with wonderfu ultrafine tannins and structure. Long, long finish. Seriously structured and rich. All in reserve right now, but you can feel the outstanding quality. 2000 in the remake. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.
Very dark crimson. Sweet and toasty nose with some energy and very lush palate cover. Ripe tannins. Sufficient acidity. Needs time but should make very fine old bones. Just slightly lacking on the finish
Dark purplish. Slightly soapy nose with a slightly crude, raw edge to it - quite contained on the nose then very opulent, almost right bank, on the palate. Obviously sweet and rich rather than classic Margaux. Lovely texture then fades a little on the finish. Tasted only once unfortunately, blind. Drink 2012-22
