2008 Château Rauzan-Ségla
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Tasting notes
Pale, fragrant, subtle but that doesn't mean underpowered – there is genuine complexity of flavour that gives all the classic Margaux floral character, as well as typically bordeaux tobacco, charcoal and cassis. For a lighter vintage, this is going strong, and has several more years to go. (RH)
Critic scores
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Deep garnet in color, the 2008 Rauzan-Ségla has a rather rustic nose of sweaty leather, tobacco and dried herbs over a core of dried mulberries, prunes and underbrush. Medium-bodied, the mid-palate has just enough earthy/savory flavors with chewy tannins and a drying finish. The blend this year is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot, harvested between October 2nd and 21st, at an average yield of 47 hectoliters per hectare. It was aged for 18 months in French oak, 60% new. The alcohol is 13.5%.
The 2008 Rauzan-Ségla is a solid vintage and is still relatively youthful, yet it’s certainly drinking nicely. A blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot, it has a cooler, black-fruited, menthol, and tobacco-driven bouquet as well as medium to full body, still present tannins, considerable elegance, and outstanding length. Overall it’s a pretty, well-balanced 2008 that’s going to continue evolving for another 15-20 years.
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.