You may have noted that we have been very quiet on the topic of Bordeaux 2017 thus far. Frankly, we have not yet felt compelled to offer any releases for this vintage. That is all set to change with the release of Château Rauzan-Ségla this morning at £325 per 6 bottle case in bond.
Rauzan has certainly lifted its quality significantly in recent years under the guidance of Nicolas Audebert and we were struck by just how well this Margaux Second Growth showed when we tasted in April. Among our front-runners this vintage, this is classically Margaux… such finesse to its silky, seductive dark fruit. As with many Bordeaux 2017s, there is an immediate appeal to the Rauzan-Ségla, which will allow the wine to be broached comparatively early without detracting from its ability to age over the next two decades. Aside from being a property well worth tracking, Rauzan offers strong value in the 2017 vintage.
I include notes from Vinous Media’s Neal Martin and Antonio Galloni below.
2017 Château Rauzan-Ségla
£325 per 6 bottle case in bond
92-94 points, Neal Martin, vinous.com
The 2017 Rauzan-Ségla is matured in 50% new oak with 14% vin de presse, which was apparently from the high quality Cabernet this year. It has a fascinating bouquet with pure blackberry, iris, crushed stone and a light estuarine influence that becomes stronger with aeration, just a faint touch of oyster shell developing in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannin, crisp acidity, very elegant and refined, possibly the most feminine Rauzan-Ségla in recent years with a silky smooth finish. It is not the instant showstopper like the 2015 – this is more understated and needs time for its quality to be fully appreciated. Tasted on three occasions. Drink 2022 to 2045.
91-93 points, Antonio Galloni, vinous.com
The 2017 Rauzan-Ségla is a fleshy, seductive wine. Soft contours and ripe silky tannins add to the wine's immediacy and sheer appeal. The viticultural and winemaking team has succeeded in adding finesse and detail to the Grand Vin without altering its classic sense of structure and proportion. A vertical explosion of fruit laced with expressive floral notes build into the finish in a classy, understated Margaux that hits all the right notes. Hints of tobacco, crushed flowers, leather, licorice and dried cherry add the closing shades of nuance. What a gorgeous wine this is. Tasted three times
Please let us know of your interest.