Rauzan Segla 2021 (750ML)

97 VM / 96 DE / 96 WCI / 95 JS / 94 WI / 94 JD / 94 FS / 93+ WA / 16.5+ JR

The 2021 Rauzan-Ségla is impressive. Dark, somber and brooding, the 2021 offers up a heady concoction of black cherry, plum, graphite, new leather, scorched earth, game and tar, all amplified in a dramatic, super-classic Margaux. I would not dream of touching a bottle anytime soon. I loved this en primeur, and I love it just as much today. Élevage made all the difference here. Tasted three times. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

A showstopper of a wine for me in 2021. Wonderful aromatic intensity on the nose filled with perfumed fruits, chocolate and wild flowers. Gorgeous clarity and precision, the tannins are fine and powdery supporting the vibrant and energetic purple and black fruit; zingy blackcurrant, strawberry, cherry and plum with an overall creamy chalky texture and grip. Elegant and glamorous - so much styling on show, it feels polished and pristine with clear markings from the terroir but no harshness or austerity just great acidity and liveliness. Such mouthwatering salivation and lift at the end making you want another glass just to taste it again. Tasted twice and both times I loved it. Pure and precise with everything you want from a 2021. A yield of 38hl/ha. Ageing 18 months, 60% new barrels. Drinking Window 2026 - 2049  - Georgina Hindle, Decanter

The complex aromatics here pop with dried flowers, espresso, cigar wrapper, spice, brown sugar and an array of red with black fruits. The wine is elegant, refined, fresh, silky and fresh. The fruits are sweet, pure, refined and defined. In fact, this is so good, it would be a success in any vintage. But, in 2021, it is a screaming success and is clearly one of the wines of the vintage! Drink from 2026-2052.-Jeff Leve, Wine Cellar Insider

Black berry, black cherry and sandalwood aromas and flavors. Medium to full body, with chewy tannins that are polished and fresh. Linear and racy at the end. A crisp and solid young Bordeaux. Give this three or four years to come around. Best after 2027.-James Suckling

One of the best in the vintage, the 2021 Château Rauzan-Ségla has beautiful cassis and red currant-like fruit that gives way to notes of tobacco, cedar pencil, and hints of flowers. It's medium-bodied, has a supple, layered mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great finish. It's a gorgeous 2021 that has an almost Château Lafite-like sense of balance and elegance. Readers will love drinking bottles over the coming 15-20 years. The 2021 is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot, hitting 13.5% natural alcohol (pH 3.72), which was brought up in 60% new French oak. - Jeb Dunnuck

Opaque ruby core, purple reflections, subtle brightening on the rim. Elegant dark berry fruit interwoven with cassis, liquorice, ripe plums, candied orange zest and wood spices. Complex, juicy and elegant with ripe heart cherries. Harmonious, already very well balanced with substantial length, precise acidity and holding great potential to age.-Peter Moser, Falstaff

Mid-deep ruby. Immediately intriguing on the nose, with notes of raspberry, fennel seed, cherry blossom and violets. Airy and vibrant, there are no hard edges here with fine, subtle tannins gently cloaking the fruit at the core. The oak is well judged, propping up the fruit without dominating it. This is not the most powerful or profound vintage for this estate, but the acidity has been tamed and there is an effortless balance to the wine. Good for the medium term.-Tom Parker MW, JancisRobinson