The 2014 Château Rauzan-Ségla is a beautifully classical Second Growth Margaux from Bordeaux's Left Bank, produced by one of the historic estates classified as Deuxième Grand Cru Classé in the 1855 Classification. The 2014 blend comprises 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, harvested between 22 September and 16 October at an average yield of 37 hl/ha. Rauzan-Ségla's deep, fine gravel soils provide the drainage and warmth particularly suited to Cabernet Sauvignon, while Merlot contributes flesh and aromatic generosity. The wine was matured for 18 months in French oak, 60% new, and finished at a restrained 13.5% alcohol. The result is very much a classical Margaux rather than a blockbuster Bordeaux: fragrant, mineral, structured and built around finesse.
More than a decade after the vintage, the 2014 is beginning to show a beautiful combination of primary fruit and mature Bordeaux complexity. Blackcurrant, blackberry, plum and Morello cherry are joined by violet, potpourri, cedar, cigar box, bay leaf, earthy spice and subtle orange peel. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with fresh acidity, polished tannins and a persistent mineral character. Critical reception has been excellent: James Suckling awarded 95 Points, Antonio Galloni at Vinous 94+ Points, Wine Enthusiast 95 Points, and The Wine Advocate 93 Points. Galloni particularly praised its silky texture, perfume and understated finesse, while later assessments have continued to highlight the wine's purity and mineral character.
