Chateau Rauzan-Segla 2018

Appellation: Margaux (Second Growth, 1855 Bordeaux Classification)

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (56%), Merlot (40%), Petit Verdot (2%) and Cabernet Franc (2%), the Chateau Rauzan-Ségla 2018 offers a bewitching aromatic bouquet. With notes of red fruits, followed by delicious black fruits, black cherries and strawberries, the wine evolves tobacco and dark licorice aromas. Then come the delicate floral notes of violet and invigorating citrus, especially red grapefruit. On the palate, the wine spreads out slowly but fully, offering a dense texture and developing fruity flavors. The vintage maintains a perfect balance, without any sensation of heaviness. A great vintage for Chateau Rauzan-Segla.

"Reminding me of the 2016, the 2018 Ch\u00e2teau 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." - Jeb Dunnuck, 99 points

"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." - James Suckling, 99 points

""Rauzan-Segla is here proclaiming its right to be considered among the wines of the year in Margaux. In the Chanel stable, Canon has had the edge for me in the past few vintges, but here Rauzan Segla comes roaring back with its mix of elegance and confidence matched by perfectly ripe, Cabernet-dominant fruit. There's a slightly higher percentage of Merlot than usual - partly because it was so good this year and partly because the concentration in the Cabernets took the yields down (a real feature of the vintage, they were at 32hl/ha here). The Merlot adds flesh through the mid-palate, which is followed by freshly crushed mint on the finish which adds precision and lift. Great quality. 3.8pH. 2% Cabernet Franc completes the blend." - Decanter, 97 points