2016 Rauzan-Ségla, Margaux (375ml)

“I continue to love the 2016 Rauzan-Ségla, a thrillingly complete, flawlessly balanced, and borderline perfect Margaux that should be snatched up by readers. Notes of cassis, graphite, tobacco leaf, and earth all give way to a full-bodied effort that has building tannins, no hard edges, and a level of purity and elegance that’s just about off the charts. Given its purity and balance, it’s accessible today, but it will be best with 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 3-4 decades.” (05/2019)

“The aromas of blackcurrants, sweet tobacco and sandalwood are tantalizing. Then it turns to subtle, dried fruit. Full-bodied with dense and powerful tannins, yet ending with finesse and vertical nature. Very deep. Power with finesse. Try after 2025.” (01/2019)

“A blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2016 Rauzan-Segla is deep garnet in color, with a touch of purple. It needs a lot of swirling to wake up profound scents of crème de cassis, black cherry compote, and plum pudding, followed by nuances of cumin, unsmoked cigars, star anise, and black truffles. The medium-bodied palate delivers a firm backbone of super-ripe, grainy tannins and a refreshing line to cut through the dense, muscular black fruits, finishing long and opulent. It still needs some time, but WOW! (LPB) 98+” (03/2024)

“Structured and elegant, this starts slowly, and is clearly still young at this point, with firm tannins giving a slow-release to the blackberry and cassis fruits, laced with mint, black tea, cumin and liqourice. Getting even better as it ages, this has decades ahead of it. This first wine comes almost entirely from plots on Terrace 4, a wide, clay-rich strip of gravel. 3/6ph, 45hl/h yield, 60% new oak, harvest September 20 to October 15. Nicolas Audbert director.” (10/2023)

“The 2016 Rauzan-Ségla is blended of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot aged in 60% new and 40% one-year-old barrels for 18 months. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it sings of lifted red and black cherries, black raspberries and cassis with a rose hip tea and lilacs undercurrent plus sparks of tobacco, pencil shavings and tilled earth. The palate is medium-bodied, elegant and mineral laced with firm, fine-grained tannins and beautiful freshness, finishing with great length and depth. 97+ (LPB)” (11/2018)

“The 2016 Rauzan-Ségla is simply stunning. Ample and generous in the glass, the 2016 is a positively stellar wine that will leave readers weak at the knees. The flavors and textures are generous as this sublime Margaux shows off its alluring personality. Sweet red cherry, plum, pomegranate, blood orange, spice and rose petal are some of the many notes that run through this absolutely exquisite wine. The 2016 is just as impressive from bottle as it was from barrel, maybe even more! Tasted three times. (AG) 97+” (01/2019)

“Dark tannins work with the sophisticated structure of this wine. The very fine tannins are an important element of the wine, giving shape to the ripe black fruits and acidity. This wine, rich and structured, is set for a long development. Drink from 2026. *Cellar Selection* (RV)” (05/2019)

“The reputation of Rauzan-Ségla is well earned here in a wine of supreme elegance, with pristine and vivid red and black fruit and cigar box aromatics. Its Cabernet-driven nature reflects purity and focus that leaves you with the impression of silky elegance, freshness and density. Very long finish. Give it a few more years for more complexity. A grand vin de Margaux! (PK)” (04/2022)

“The 2016 Château Rauzan-Ségla is another wonderful wine from this estate in Margaux owned by Chanel. This is composed of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and beings with inviting aromas of ripe red berries and currants along with florals, licorice and tobacco nuances all adding further complexity. It continues to impress on the palate with is fantastic tannin structure and excellent balance. This gorgeous Bordeaux displays wonderful purity and elegance through the long lasting finish. It is a classic wine from this estate which should go on to evolve beautifully over the next 2 decades. (JD)” (01/2019)