2008 Rauzan Segla
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Tasting notes
Pale, fragrant, subtle but that doesn't mean underpowered – there is genuine complexity of flavour that gives all the classic Margaux floral character, as well as typically bordeaux tobacco, charcoal and cassis. For a lighter vintage, this is going strong, and has several more years to go. (RH)
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Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
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Deep garnet in color, the 2008 Rauzan-Ségla has a rather rustic nose of sweaty leather, tobacco and dried herbs over a core of dried mulberries, prunes and underbrush. Medium-bodied, the mid-palate has just enough earthy/savory flavors with chewy tannins and a drying finish. The blend this year is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot, harvested between October 2nd and 21st, at an average yield of 47 hectoliters per hectare. It was aged for 18 months in French oak, 60% new. The alcohol is 13.5%.
The 2008 Rauzan-Ségla is a solid vintage and is still relatively youthful, yet it’s certainly drinking nicely. A blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot, it has a cooler, black-fruited, menthol, and tobacco-driven bouquet as well as medium to full body, still present tannins, considerable elegance, and outstanding length. Overall it’s a pretty, well-balanced 2008 that’s going to continue evolving for another 15-20 years.
About the producer
The Chanel group purchased Margaux Second Growth Ch. Rauzan-Ségla in 1994. Under the iconic fashion house’s ownership and – since 2014 – the guidance of winemaker Nicolas Audebert, the estate has seen significant investment and rapidly become one of Bordeaux’s most desirable.