Chateau Rauzan-Segla 2016

Critical Acclaim: 98 pts The Wine Independent; 98 pts Jeb Dunnuck; 98 pts James Suckling; 97 pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate; 97 pts Wine Enthusiast; 97 pts Jane Anson; 97 pts Vinous; 96 pts Decanter.  Tasting Notes: "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!"- The Wine Independent.  "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."- Jeb Dunnuck.  "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."- James Suckling.  "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Rauzan-Ségla drifts effortlessly from the glass with fragrant rose hip tea, candied violets and chocolate box scents over a core of fresh blackcurrants and black cherry compote plus wafts of tobacco and dusty soil. Medium to full-bodied, it delivers a great mid-palate of softly textured black and blue fruits with loads of floral nuances and a refreshing lift on the finish."- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.  "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."- Wine Enthusiast.  "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."-Jane Anson.  "The 2016 Rauzan-Ségla has an elegant bouquet that needs some coaxing from the glass, eventually revealing red berry fruit, rose petal, chai tea and light bergamot aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with very supple tannins that lend a silky-smooth texture. This has a fine line of acidity and impressive harmony on the finish. Wonderful. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting."- Vinous.  "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!"- Decanter.  Varietal: 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot.