Rauzan Segla 2001 (750ML)

94 WE / 93 VM / 93 DE / 92 WI / 17.5 JR

A huge, powerful, dense wine, which layers pure black fruits over dusty tannins. This is an impressive wine, proof of Rauzan-Ségla's improvements since Chanel took over ownership. It is packed with fruits, like an intense jelly, but also has dryness, acidity and good aging potential. — Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast

The 2001 Rauzan-Ségla, picked September 28 to October 11, shows moderate maturation on the brick rim. The bouquet is quite intense, embracing both primary and secondary aromas at 17-years of age, blackberry, sage, clove, and just a hint of black olive and violet. This is quite complex and enticing. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp acidity, maybe a little rustic compared to latter-day Rauzan-Séglas, but with fine balance and focus. Moving toward its second half it develops a light ferrous touch, earthy and edgy, a drop of balsamic appearing towards the finish. This is perfect to drink now but it should age nicely over the next ten or fifteen years. Tasted at the Rauzan-Ségla vertical at the château. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media (April 2019)

At this point Rauzan-Ségla was clearly making brilliant wines, but not quite at the level of precision that the estate hit from 2005 onwards. Spiced plum and lush raspberry aromatics abound through the palate, with roasted coffee notes playing gently underneath. This is a lovely wine that showcases the excellence of this estate, and it's very much in its stride and drinking window, ready to be enjoyed. 50% new oak. 46hl/ha yield. Drinking Window 2018 - 2026. Jane Anson, Decanter (Sep 2018)

A blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc, the 2001 Rauzan-Segla has a medium garnet-brick color. It waltzes out with a beautifully mature, complex notes of sandalwood, Indian spices, and fruitcake, followed by hints of rose oil, unsmoked cigars, and crushed rocks. The light-bodied palate is wonderfully elegant and refreshing, with soft, powdery tannins and a fragrant finish. So pretty!-Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent