Unusually impressive depth and density, with enticing aromas of blackcurrant, tobacco, spicy oak and fine, subtle floral notes. Beautiful body without being overly rich; polished and concentrated with refined tannins. Great elegance in a wine that will be able to age for 20 years.
97 POINT
Vinous
The 2021 Rauzan-Ségla is absolutely gorgeous. It offers up scents of graphite, savory herbs, licorice, chocolate and plum, all beautifully lifted by strong Cabernet Sauvignon inflections. Naturally, the 2021 doesn’t have the mid-palate richness and overall intensity of recent years. Readers will find a tightly wound Margaux that balances classic structure with modern-day precision. I can’t wait to see how it ages. Tasted four times.
95 POINT
Robert Parker
Representing around 44% of the estate’s production (more or less as usual), the 2021 Rauzan-Ségla unwinds in the glass with aromas of minty cassis, blackberries, loamy soil, dark chocolate and warm spices. Medium to full-bodied, deep and impressively concentrated, it’s layered and seamless, with a sweet core of fruit, powdery tannins, lively acids and an impressively penetrating finish. The Rauzan team opted to ferment Merlot rather cooler than normal this year to moderate extraction. Tasted six times.
93 POINT
James Suckling
92 POINT
Alexandre Ma
About Château Rauzan-Ségla
Rauzan-Ségla has been making wine since 1661—more than 350 years. In the early 1990s, this Second Growth truly began producing world-class wines. It is no exaggeration to say that Rauzan-Ségla today is at the very top of its game. In recent vintages, Ségla has crafted some of the greatest wines in its history—wines reaching astonishing new heights, matched by equally glowing reviews from the world’s wine journalists.
Ségla tells the story of a Second Growth château that once lost its way, but also of a great estate that managed to turn the ship around. Over the years, Ségla changed ownership several times, like most Bordeaux châteaux, and quality unfortunately suffered. During the 20th century, different owners at times neglected both vineyard work and investments in the cellar. In the 1960s and through the 1980s, smaller improvements and refurbishments were made under new ownership.
The real transformation began when the Wertheimer family (who also own Chanel) acquired the château in 1994. They immediately launched a major renovation. Time and money were invested across the property, and by 1996 the château was fully restored. The winery once again became 100% state-of-the-art, with brand-new stainless-steel tanks and new oak barrels. The large fermentation vats were replaced by smaller vessels matching the number of vineyard parcels, making it possible to vinify each parcel separately. The result was more precise fermentation and a deeper understanding of the estate’s diverse terroirs.
Wine with majestic finesse
But the work did not stop there. Thousands of hours of hard labour were invested in the vineyards. Vines were replanted with new and improved Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot clones—crucial for achieving the best possible fruit. Petit Verdot was also replanted. In fact, this grape has historically always been grown in Ségla’s vineyards, but for reasons unknown it was excluded from the blend for a long period. Now it is back, helping to bring majestic finesse, edge, and sublime structure to the finished wine.
A bit nerdy and detailed, perhaps—but all these initiatives have ensured that quality is at the highest level. Today everything is meticulously in order, and nothing is left to chance. Even the hedge outside the château is trimmed as if measured with a ruler. Ségla is back on the throne, and the wines are more breathtaking than ever.
