2023 Rauzan Segla
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Tasting notes
The 2023 Rauzan-Ségla has the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon ever, at 85% (the highest previously was 2021, with 71%), as the Merlot suffered more from mildew. The result is a very impressive wine, with pretty floral perfume and vibrant, tightly packed redcurrant and blackcurrant fruit. The palate is refined and sleek, with compact fruit, tart acidity and chalky tannins. It’s silken, fresh, concentrated and pure, with lovely balance (13.5% alcohol and 3.6pH). Aged in 55% new oak. Blend: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.5% Merlot, 1.5% Petit Verdot
Critic scores
Average Score
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Neal Martin, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Crème de cassis, graphite, flowers, and spicy wood all emerge from the 2023 Château Rauzan-Ségla, a truly brilliant Margaux that is particularly unique in the vintage due to a 30-40% loss of Merlot, resulting in an unusually high Cabernet Sauvignon content. Based on 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.5% Merlot, and 1.5% Petit Verdot and aged 18 months in 15% new barrels, it's medium-bodied on the palate, with a concentrated, multi-dimensional mouthfeel, pure, polished tannins, and a great finish. This smokingly good beauty is flawlessly balanced and will shine for three decades if well stored. Don't miss this. It's worth a case purchase. Drink 2029-2056.
The 2023 Rauzan-Ségla is magnificent. The marriage of elegance and power is just compelling. Rich, layered and nearly seamless in the glass, the 2023 is so impressive. Dried herbs, cedar, tobacco and incense capture tons of Cabernet Sauvignon savoriness. The intensity of the dark red/purplish fruit is remarkable. Rauzan-Ségla is one of the wines of the vintage. Tasted three times.
The 2023 Rauzan Ségla has quite a plush nose for the vintage, perhaps more 2022 in style, scents of cassis, black plum, vanilla and camphor that emerge with aeration. The palate is classy: very cohesive, smooth, with well-defined, chiseled tannins. The oak is very well integrated, with a persistent finish that tempts you back for more. While not quite matching the very best recent vintages, it is only a nose behind.
About the producer
The Chanel group purchased Margaux Second Growth Ch. Rauzan-Ségla in 1994. Under the iconic fashion house’s ownership and – since 2014 – the guidance of winemaker Nicolas Audebert, the estate has seen significant investment and rapidly become one of Bordeaux’s most desirable.