Powerful, polished, and packed with personality, the 2018 Rauzan-Ségla is a modern classic in the making. Despite the vintage's heat, this wine maintains incredible freshness and structure, layering plush black fruits with floral lift, mineral energy, and precision. A beautifully sculpted Margaux with serious aging potential—and just enough flair to keep it exciting.

Jamessuckling,com | JS 99
Published: Jan 8, 2021

Aromas of crushed blackberries and blueberries with dried flowers and bark, following through to a full body with a tight and powerful palate of beautiful fruit and chewy yet polished tannins that are compressed and impressive. Extremely linear and intense. Muscular, in a toned way. Yet it opens in the mouth at you taste it. 60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% merlot. Drink after 2025.

The Wine Advocate | RP 98+
Published: Mar 31, 2021
Drink: 2026-2066

The 2018 Rauzan-Segla is composed of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. The wine has 14% alcohol, and it was aged for around 18 months in barriques, 65% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it comes galloping out of the glass with powerful, energetic scents of crushed black cherries, blackcurrant cordial and mulberries, plus suggestions of violets, star anise, chocolate mint and crushed rocks with a touch of tobacco leaf. The medium to full-bodied palate is jam-packed with taut, muscular black fruit layers, supported by firm, ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing with fantastic length and loads of earthy sparks. This is a thoroughbred Margaux, for sure, possessing amazing power in a very sleek, sophisticated package. Give it 5-7 years in bottle to unlock all those earth, floral and mineral nuances and drink it over the next 40 years or more. An incredible achievement that adeptly sidesteps the potentially overwhelming stamps of this extreme vintage. Bravo to Technical Director Nicolas Audebert and the team at Rauzan-Segla! 

Decanter | D 97
Published: Nov 10, 2020
Drink: 2026-2050

I very much enjoyed this en primeur and I am happy to see it living up to billing. There is real nuance here, with a ton of great fruit - layers of cassis, bilberry, charcoal and saffron spice. This really stands out for me as having balance, complexity and the potential to grow. These were tasted blind and I genuinely have to say congratulations to Nicolas Audebert and his team for calling it right in a year in which handling oak over ageing has proved difficult in many cases. 3.8pH. 2% Cabernet Franc completes the blend.

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 18++
Published: Feb 10, 2022
Drink: 2030-2050

Tasted blind. Smudgy rim. High toned. A little more moderate than some top 2018s. Correct but quite low key. No shortage of tannin; a slight shortage of drama – which may be no bad thing? Some slight green notes but the weight of wine makes up for them.

Chateaurauzansegla.com

Matured at the heart of this historic vineyard, Rauzan-Ségla is an iron fist in a velvet glove. Its modesty and clear delicate touch hide a deep, intense heart. Staying true to the Margaux application, it is a truly noble nectar. Grace that reveals restraint. Multifaceted complexity. Pure sophistication and the charm of tenacity.

Smooth nobility. Intense tannins. Ageing potential.

VINTAGE 2018

The 2018 vintage stands out for its density.
Enchanting notes of strawberry tobacco invite you to let go, embracing the contours of a deep core.
Black cherry emerges, vivid and fleshy, contributing to a heart of red fruit compote that’s deliciously rich and intense.
Black fruits, tinged with licorice, further amplify the harmony.
Floating over this unmatched fruitiness is the ripe floral essence of violet.
A sharp note of red grapefruit brings vitality and adds lift to the overall profile. The palate is complete—dense, broad, and tender at once. It unfolds its flavors in a well-defined tactile crescendo, with no heaviness.
A remarkable wine showcasing refined maturity.

CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
Winter: regular precipitation
Spring: stormy showers
Summer: sunny and dry
Autumn: sunny and warm

VINTAGE DATA

ALCOHOL
14%

pH
3.8

BLEND – RAUZAN-SÉGLA
56% Cabernet Sauvignon
40% Merlot
2% Petit Verdot
2% Cabernet Franc