2022 Chateau Rauzan-Segla

Exceptionally deep, layered and rich yet showcasing Margaux’ trademark refinement and class.

Magnificent depth of colour featuring a pitch black heart and near equally deep dark red black hue. Soaring out of the glass is a kaleidoscope of aromas that includes violet, blackcurrant, subtle liquorice, vanillin cedar, earth, dark chocolate, dried herb, tobacco and spice scents. Exceptionally deep, layered and rich yet showcasing Margaux’ trademark refinement and class, the mid weighted palate is flooded with fleshy blackcurrant, liquorice and dark cherry fruits. Sweet earth, vanillin cedar, tobacco, dark chocolate and spicy dried herb elements unfold across the back half. Magnificent power with the beautiful tannin structure seamlessly integrated with the fruit. Concludes very long with exquisite finesse.
Drink over the next 10-20 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews....
The 2022 Rauzan-Ségla is showing well in bottle, unfurling in the glass with aromas of dark berries and cherries mingled with licorice, burning embers and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, ample and velvety, it's suave and seamless, with its dense core of fruit framed by powdery structuring tannins that lend a more evident backbone than it exhibited en primeur. As readers may remember, the 2022 is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot; and in 2022, the east-facing sides of the vines, which see the afternoon sun, were picked separately, along with anything that showed signs of stress. Drink 2030-2055.
96 points
William Kelley – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

The 2022 Rauzan-Ségla is a classy, elegant wine. Even so, the 2022 very clearly lacks the immediacy of some surrounding vintages. Readers should be prepared to cellar this for a number of years The mid-weight, gracious presence of Rauzan-Ségla is very much present, and yet the tannins are pretty imposing. Dark red/purplish fruit, rose petal, graphite and white pepper are all beautifully delineated in the glass. The 2022 is pure and total sophistication. This is a wine that may very well have more to say in the future. Tasted four times. Drink 2032-2062.
97+ points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous

Aromas of blueberries and blackberries with walnuts and hints of tar that follow through to a medium to full body with plush and velvety tannins and a lovely, caressing mouthfeel. It closes up at the end. Extremely long, pure and structured. Classic 72% cabernet sauvignon, 26% merlot and 2% petit verdot. From organically grown grapes. Give this at least until after 2030 to open and come around.
98 points
James Suckling

The flagship 2022 Château Rauzan-Ségla checks in as 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot, all aged 18 months in 50% new French oak. It's much more focused and precise compared to the second wine and has brilliant aromatics of crème de cassis, crushed violets, graphite, and smoky oak. Gorgeously concentrated and full-bodied, with riveting purity and precision, this stunning Margaux has ripe yet building tannins, a terrific mid-palate, and flawless overall balance. I love it today yet 7-8 years of cellar are warranted and it will cruise over the following 3-4 decades in cold cellars. It's another sensational wine from this estate. Drink 2033-2073.
98 points
JebDunnuck.com

Gorgeously fragranced on the nose with perfumed black fruits and pink flowers - smells very Margaux. Clean and crisp, a beautiful precision from the start with ripe and rich fruit but cool fresh acidity and sleek, fine tannins. A little shy, still compact and tightly knitted, but lovely detail, so well worked, almost delicate but there's still quite fleshy, plush fruit. Excellent concentration but delivered with an easy sleight of hand, expanding with time in the glass. Glamorous, scented, inviting, deep and seductive. A brilliant and totally moreish wine. Yield of 30hl/ha. 3.7pH. 17% press wine. Harvest 2-28 September. Ageing in French oak for 14-16 months, 15% new. In organic conversion. Tasted twice. Drink 2029 - 2048.
97 points
Georgina Hindle - Decanter

Dark in color, the array of floral notes shoot out with violets, lilacs, and roses. From there you find truffle, red and black fruits, cigar box and cedar also come through in the nose. While the perfume is catchy, it is on the palate where the wine takes off. Texturally, the wine is drenched in velvet. There is intensity, richness, and concentration, as well as weightlessness on the palate. With this wine, the seamless finish must be felt, as well as tasted. The wine is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot. This marks the highest percentage of Cabernet in the blend and with 17% press wine in the blend, it is the highest portion of press wine as well. 14.5% ABV, 3.7 pH. The harvest took place September 2 - September 28. This is the earliest start to a harvest for Rauzan Segla. Yields were 30 hectoliters per hectare. The Grand Vin was produced from 50% of the harvest. Drink from 2027-2065.
96-98 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar Insider