Château Rauzan-Ségla 2023

85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.5% Merlot, 1.5% Petit Verdot Rauzan-Ségla is like a star dancer, and a soloist at that! Peace and quiet reign as she enters the stage and begins her performance. The silence gives way to a fresh, rhythmic beat. This unusual introduction to wine is perfectly embodied by the bouquet. The star dancers are the olfactory nuances, each as fine as the next. The scene continues with a precise attack, without pirouettes, but with dexterity and precision. The wine takes its place, taking hold of the palate with disconcerting serenity, without raising its voice and with a clarity worthy of Obi-Wan's lightsabre! The tannins are the strength (but not the darkness). They give the wine an unlikely power, a depth that depends not on breadth but on a keen sense of detail, while the acidic structure shimmers subtly in the background. All in all, this is an exceptional wine, capable of distinguishing itself through its ability to combine finesse, freshness and power. A salivating, long-lasting wine and one of the greatest successes of the Margaux appellation! 2028-2058

Despite a severe attack of downy mildew in 2023, Château Rauzan-Ségla has persevered with a resilient spirit to deliver commendable quality. The fruit aromas of this vintage are somewhat restrained, with its signature violet fragrance and the sweet, soft berry notes not as prominent. Moreover, its tannins are assertive, and the wine’s typically reserved character has become somewhat impatient, lacking some of the gentleness I had anticipated. Despite these challenges, the wine still maintains an ideal balance on the palate.