2022, Château Rauzan-Ségla, MARGAUX, 2ème Grand Cru Classé

Bordeaux Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, merlot, Petit Verdot

2nd Growth, now comfortably established in the super-second league. Huge efforts have been made by owners Chanel to make great wine at Rauzan. A château on top form. 2022 blend is 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot.

Supple texture, thoroughly impressive in its depth and grip, blackcurrant, blackberry, crayon, liquorice, mint, slate, fennel, ink, has confidence and character and just so much class. Brings precision to the exuberance of the vintage, barely puts a step wrong, so concentated and yet delivering slate and lift. Excellent. Tasted twice. 50% new barrels, Nicolas Auderbert director, 50% of production in the first wine. 97 Jane Anson.

The freshness and clarity of the fruit is really something with black currants and cherries. Brilliant. Full-bodied, layered and round with polished tannins. I like the intensity and focus with such precision and gorgeousness. 97-98 James Suckling.

Deep garnet-purple in colour, the 2022 Rauzan-Segla is made from 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot. A little swirling unleashes an explosion of black and red currant jelly, wild blueberries, and chocolate-covered cherries, giving way to a fragrant undercurrent of violets, underbrush, and crushed rocks with a touch of star anise. The full-bodied palate is crafted like a Chanel suit, with a firm backbone of super-ripe, grainy tannins and impressive tension supporting a gorgeous array of floral, spice, and black fruit layers, finishing very long and with impeccable grace. 97-99 Lisa Perrotti-Brown.

The 2022 Rauzan-Ségla is a rich, opulent wine that very much reflects the nature of this radiant, dry year. Super-ripe dark plum, cassis, chocolate, gravel, cloves and new leather build as the 2022 shows off its unabashedly opulent personality. Even with all of its intensity, the 2022 retains tons of persistence and energy. It's a fabulous wine. Tasted three times. 95-97 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.

Drinking Window: 2032 - 2062