Chateau Rauzan Segla, Margaux (10 Best Vintages, Tasting Notes)

Chateau Rauzan Segla is nestled in the heart of the Margaux appellation, and is revered for its epic Cabernet-dominant wines - Chateau Rauzan-Segla (Grand Vin) and Segla (the second wine.)

This prestigious Second Growth Bordeaux estate dates back to the 17th century when it was owned by Pierre Desmezures de Rauzan. Today, this Left Bank estate is managed by the Wertheimer family (who owns fashion giant Chanel.) Nicolas Audebert, renowned for his winemaking expertise, manages the operations of the Chateau. Let’s explore this elegant winery, its winemaking techniques, 10 gorgeous Rauzan Segla wines, and whether these wines would make a worthy addition to your cellar.

Winemaking And Wine Styles Of Rauzan Segla 

The beautiful vineyard is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc grape varieties. 

The grape vines in the gravel and clay-rich terroir of Rauzan Segla are aged around 35 years. Vine density ranges from 6,600 to 10,000 vines per hectare.

The winemaking practices are as follows:

• Fermentation and vinification occurs according to the parcels in various stainless steel tanks. 
• Malolactic fermentation takes place in oak vats.
• Wines are aged in 50%-60% new French oak barrels for 18 to 20 months, depending on the vintage.

The estate produces two stunning wines:

1. Rauzan Segla

The Grand Vin, Rauzun Segla is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. 

2. Segla

The second wine of the estate, Segla, has a higher proportion of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot than the Grand Vin. This second wine is never sold as a future - it is only released after the wine is bottled. 

The annual production for both wines is between 10,000 to 12,000 cases.

Let’s look at some stunning Rauzan Segla vintages. 

10 Exceptional Rauzan Segla Wines To Buy In 2023

Here are some of the best Rauzan Segla wines for your cellar. 

• 1961 Chateau Rauzan Segla Margaux
• 1966 Chateau Rauzan Segla Margaux
• 1983 Chateau Rauzan Segla Margaux
• 1990 Chateau Rauzan Segla Margaux
• 2009 Chateau Rauzan Segla Margaux
• 2007 Segla Margaux, France 
• 2005 Chateau Rauzan Segla Margaux
• 2000 Chateau Rauzan Segla Margaux
• 2000 Segla Margaux
• 2015 Chateau Rauzan Segla Margaux

1. 1961 Chateau Rauzan Segla Margaux, France ($431)

An enticing Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. This vintage has tasting notes of black raspberry, black truffle, tobacco leaf, and blackcurrants with a vibrant freshness on the palate. 

2. 1966 Chateau Rauzan Segla Margaux, France ($313)

This Bordeaux red wine has intoxicating aromas of dried flowers and ripe fruit. The palate has tasting notes of black fruits, black raspberry, and fine tannins. 

3. 1983 Chateau Rauzan Segla Margaux, France ($228)

This Cabernet blend has a vibrant fruity freshness. It has a rich palate of blackcurrants, black fruit, and creme de cassis. The polished tannins and plush palate make for a wonderful tasting experience.

4. 1990 Chateau Rauzan Segla Margaux, France ($235)

This is a racy Cabernet blend with tasting notes of red currant and cassis. The palate has supple tannin and a pleasant red fruit finish. 

5. 2009 Chateau Rauzan Segla Margaux, France ($200)

Here is an intoxicating fine wine with rich aromas of ripe fruits and tobacco leaf. The palate has fine tannin and tasting notes of dark fruit and black truffle.

6. 2007 Segla Margaux, France ($197)

A Cabernet dominant red Bordeaux blend with a nose of creme de cassis and blackberries. The palate has a silky texture and supple tannin that ends in a long lilac finish. 

7. 2005 Chateau Rauzan Segla Margaux, France ($188)

This red wine is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest is Merlot with subtle hints of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It has a marvelous nose of ripe fruit, cassis, and blackcurrant with refreshing menthol notes. 

8. 2000 Chateau Rauzan Segla Margaux, France ($181)

This Bordeaux fine wine has notes of sweet fruit, black fruit, and leafy herbs (basil, fennel, lavender, mint.) The palate has notes of dark fruit and sweet tannin. 

9. 2000 Segla Margaux, France ($124)

This stunning vintage embodies the complexity and elegance of the Rauzan Segla estate. It has a generous bouquet of black fruit, dried cherries, and plums with chewy tannins. 

10. 2015 Chateau Rauzan Segla Margaux, France ($134)

An excellent red wine that received a score of 98 from Jeb Dunnuck. It has a generous bouquet of mulled raspberry, singed apple wood notes, and a distinct flowery incense. The palate has dark tannins and seamless freshness.

What is the best way to serve your glass of Rauzan Segla wine?

Serve your glass of Rauzan Segla wine at 15.5 degrees Celsius (60°F.) 

It can be paired with a wide variety of classic meat dishes like roast chicken, veal, pork, lamb, and smoked meats. It also pairs well with hearty Asian cuisine, mushrooms, and pasta.

Should You Invest In Rauzan Segla Wine?

Rauzan Segla is a wine best appreciated when it has aged for years, like most other Bordeaux vintage wines. It opens up after 12-15 years of bottle age and reaches peak maturity between 18-35 years.

The reputation of the chateau was at its peak in the 19th century. But, things went down in the mid- to late-1900s. The chateau has been regaining it’s fame, albeit slowly, over the past few decades.

Although Rauzan Segla may not be in the league of First Growth estates like Chateau Latour, Chateau Margaux, or Chateau Palmer - it is considered a better investment than most other cru classes in the region.

Critics have ranked Chateau Rauzan Segla highly:

• The 2000 and 1998 vintages were both awarded three stars in the Coup de Coeur by Guide Hachette des Vins.
• The Wine Advocate gave the 2000 vintage a score of 97.
• James Suckling gave the 2009 and 2010 vintage a score of 97 and 98, respectively. 

Let’s see the trend in wine prices as well:

• The 1962 Chateau Rauzan-Segla went up from $212 to $393, an impressive 85% growth in one year (2020 to 2021.)
• The 2007 Segla grew from $38 to $195, a 413% increase in the same period. 

So, what’s the easiest way to add a bottle of Rauzan Segla to your wine collection?

The easiest way to invest in Rauzan Segla or other Bordeaux wines is through a trustedonline wine investment company like Vinovest - which lets you buy, store, and sell authentic fine wine with just a few clicks.

Get a Rauzan Segla Wine For Your Cellar

A bottle of Rauzan Segla can charm any wine lover with its elegance and distinct personality!

Add to it the glamour and design aesthetics of the Chanel brand, and you have a show stopper. 

Check out the Vinovest website and get your hands on investment-grade fine wine from Rauzan Segla and other coveted estates today!