Rauzan Ségla

History of Château Rauzan-Ségla

Château Rauzan-Ségla was founded in 1661 by Pierre Desmezures de Rauzan, an emblematic figure of the Bordeaux vineyard, who had already worked at Château Margaux. From its creation, the estate gained prestige and notoriety. In the 18th century, Rauzan-Ségla wines were already recognized worldwide. In 1787, Thomas Jefferson, future president of the United States, ordered several cases of this wine during his visit to Bordeaux, describing it as the "peak of Second Growths."

The 19th century marked a turning point for the estate. In 1855, during the famous classification of Bordeaux wines, Rauzan-Ségla was elevated to the rank of Second Growth, a distinction that testifies to the exceptional quality of its wines. After belonging to the Rauzan family for more than two centuries, the estate had several successive owners until its acquisition by the Wertheimer family, owners of Chanel, in 1994. This acquisition marked the beginning of a new era for Rauzan-Ségla, with massive investments in modernizing infrastructure and a return to the quality that made the château famous.

Château Rauzan-Ségla's exceptional 1865 vintage received a 99+/100 from Robert Parker, while recent years such as 2018 and 2020 shine with 98/100. The 2016 and 2015 vintages, rated 97/100, bear witness to the excellence of this estate through the ages.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Château Rauzan-Ségla

The terroir of Rauzan-Ségla is one of the major assets of the property. Located in the heart of the Margaux appellation, on the left bank of the Gironde, the vineyard covers about 70 hectares. This exceptional terroir is composed of fine and deep gravel ridges, resting on clay-limestone layers. The gravel allows optimal drainage and excellent heat retention, offering ideal conditions for grape ripening, particularly for Cabernet Sauvignon, the king grape variety of Margaux.

The estate's grape varieties consist of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. These proportions vary slightly depending on the vintage, but the emphasis is always on Cabernet Sauvignon, which brings structure and complexity to the wine. Merlot adds suppleness and fruitiness, while Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc perfect the balance with spicy and floral notes.

For several years, Château Rauzan-Ségla has adopted sustainable viticulture, with meticulous soil work and particular attention paid to biodiversity. In 2019, part of the vineyard switched to organic cultivation, with organic certification obtained in 2023. Each plot is carefully worked, according to its terroir and grape varieties, to reveal the best of each bunch.

Vinification at Château Rauzan-Ségla

The vinification process at Château Rauzan-Ségla is a model of precision and expertise. It all begins with a manual harvest of the grapes, sorted directly on the vine and several times after their arrival at the winery. This meticulous sorting allows only the best berries to be retained, thus guaranteeing the quality of the wines.

The grapes are then vinified plot by plot, with each variety being treated separately to express the full potential of its terroir. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, adapted to the size of each plot, to ensure tailor-made vinification. Malolactic fermentation, which softens the wines and gives them a more velvety texture, takes place in vats.

The wines are then aged in French oak barrels, 50% to 60% of which are new, depending on the vintage. This choice allows subtle wood aromas to be imparted without masking the fruit and natural elegance of Margaux wines. Aging lasts between 18 and 20 months for the grand vin, while the second wine, Ségla, is aged for about 15 months, with a proportion of new barrels reduced to 25%.

The Cuvées of Château Rauzan-Ségla

Château Rauzan-Ségla

The estate's grand vin, Château Rauzan-Ségla, is an exceptional wine. Crafted from the best plots, it embodies the elegance and finesse of the Margaux appellation. Each vintage reveals remarkable aromatic complexity, blending notes of black fruits, spices, and floral touches characteristic of the terroir. On the palate, the tannins are silky, the texture is velvety, and the finish has remarkable freshness.

Château Rauzan-Ségla ages admirably well, gaining depth and complexity over the years. Recent vintages, notably 2015 and 2016, are praised by critics for their perfect balance between structure and freshness. These wines, although still young, are already shaping up to be references in the estate's history.

Among the recent vintages, the 2009, for which the label was designed by Karl Lagerfeld to celebrate the estate's 350th anniversary, is particularly sought after.

Ségla

Ségla is the estate's second wine, but it should not be perceived as a mere second choice. Crafted with the same attention as the grand vin, it stands out for its more accessible and fruity approach, while retaining the elegant signature of Margaux. Ségla offers an immediate experience of pleasure, with aromas of red fruits and a silky texture on the palate. It's a wine of indulgence, perfect for enjoying in its youth, but can also age for a few years.

The best Bordeaux vintages are essential references for collectors and lovers of great wines. Among the most remarkable are the following vintages: 1945, 1947, 1949, 1953, 1959, 1961, 1975, 1982, 1985, 1989, 1990, 2000, 2005, 
2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020...

The Second Growths of 1855 constitute a prestigious category, grouping together iconic estates that often rival the First Growths in quality. Among them, discover Château Brane-Cantenac and Château Durfort-Vivens, both located in Margaux, as well as Château Lascombes, Château Rauzan-Ségla, and Château Rauzan-Gassies. In Saint-Julien, wine enthusiasts will appreciate the wines from Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, Château Léoville Las Cases, Château Gruaud Larose, and the famous Château Léoville Poyferré and Château Léoville Barton. Don't miss Château Cos d'Estournel and Château Montrose in Saint-Estèphe, as well as the essential Château Pichon Longueville Baron and Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande in Pauillac.

Château Rauzan-Ségla is an essential reference in the world of Bordeaux Classified Growths. Thanks to an exceptional terroir, precise work in the vineyard and cellar, and a perpetual quest for excellence, the wines of this estate shine through their elegance, finesse, and aging capacity. Whether for a special occasion or to enrich a wine collection, Rauzan-Ségla's cuvées offer an unforgettable experience. For Margaux lovers, it's a wine not to be missed.