Tasting Notes and Scores
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.
Antonio Galloni, Vinous, May 2022
Antonio Galloni
According to Nicolas Audebert, the 2021 Rauzan Ségla has a reduced proportion of Merlot, as a consequence of which it was felt that the Petit Verdot crowded out the final blend and was thus demoted to the Deuxième Vin. Matured in 60% new oak for an intended 18 months, it has a surprisingly opulent bouquet with conspicuous Merlot that has the hubris to vie for attention with the Cabernet. Very pure and well-defined, this gains intensity in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with very finely chiseled tannins, displaying disarming purity and poise. Minerally on the finish, with just the faintest hint of dark chocolate on the aftertaste. Precision, precision, precision. (13.0% alcohol) Neal Martin, Vinous, May 2022
Neal Martin
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.
William Kelley, April 2022
Wine Advocate
A firm and linear wine with crushed stone and some citrusy acidity, Medium body, creamy tannins and a fresh finish, Lively at the end. Currant, blackberry and fresh tobacco in the aftertaste. 75% cabernet sauvignon.
May 2022
James Suckling
A clear step up from the Ségla, proving why in 2021 even with the best names and most accomplished winemakers, it pays to head to the 1st wines. This is excellent for the vintage, with sinewy-juice-filled blue and black fruits. Cabernet-dominant, fresh, well constructed, precise, you feel a slightly higher acidity than usual, giving a muscular, angular feel. As it opens cloves, cassis bud and rose stems appear. 60% new oak, well balanced, clear classicism and the alcohol level feels refreshing and restrained. Working with the vintage, a little shorter on the finish that the biggest vintages but this is easy to recommend. Tasted twice, 45% of overall production. A candidate for upscore in bottle.
Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux, May 2022
Decanter
Very pure nose with fine gravel minerality running through ripe red and black cherry and strawberry fruits. Lovely coolness to the mineral structure here, lovely volume of ripe, sweet fruit with a vibrant midpalate with some citrus and more white stone minerals. Very pretty finish.
April 2022
Bordeaux Index
Pretty solid crimson. Much more complex nose than the Rauzan-Gassies. Sweet start and very polished tannins. A saline note adds interest. No sign of oak. The finish is impressively long and interesting without any dryness nor any excess of acidity. Very well judged and very Margaux though the opposite of concentrated or flashy. Complete and already relatively accessible.
Drink 2026 – 2042
Jancisrobinson.com, May 2022
Jancis Robinson
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