Château Rauzan-Ségla (1989)
SommeliAI Insights
A mature Margaux with rich blackberry and chocolate notes, complemented by hints of cedar and a velvety finish.
About this wine
The 1989 Château Rauzan-Ségla from Margaux offers a rich and plush experience, showcasing prominent blackberry and chocolate flavors with a subtle hint of cedar. This full-bodied wine is thick yet velvety, delivering a long, sweet fruit finish. Over time, it has developed a bouquet of black fruits intertwined with Provencal herbs, underbrush, licorice, and new oak. The palate remains youthful, displaying finesse with superb delineation and natural balance, even after three decades. This vintage stands as a testament to the estate's commitment to quality, reflecting the exceptional conditions of the 1989 harvest.
About the grape
Cabernet Sauvignon, the dominant grape in Château Rauzan-Ségla's vineyard, is known for its thick skins and late ripening, contributing to the wine's structure and aging potential. Merlot, comprising a significant portion of the blend, ripens earlier and adds softness and fruitiness, balancing the tannins of Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc, though used in smaller amounts, brings aromatic complexity and subtle spice notes. Petit Verdot, also present in limited quantities, adds deep color and additional tannins, enhancing the wine's depth. The 1989 vintage was crafted with a blend of these varietals, each contributing unique characteristics to the final wine.
Quick facts
- 🏰 Château Rauzan-Ségla's history dates back to 1661, when Pierre Desmezures de Rauzan acquired the estate.
- 🇺🇸 In 1787, Thomas Jefferson, who later became the third President of the United States, visited Bordeaux and ordered 10 cases of Rauzan-Ségla, praising it as one of the top Second Growths.
- 🍷 The 1989 vintage of Château Rauzan-Ségla is renowned for its elegance and complexity, with tasting notes highlighting aromas of black fruits, licorice, and Provencal herbs.
- 👗 In 1994, the luxury fashion house Chanel purchased Château Rauzan-Ségla, initiating extensive renovations to enhance the estate's quality and prestige.
- 🎨 To celebrate the estate's 350th anniversary in 2009, Chanel commissioned designer Karl Lagerfeld to create a special label for that year's vintage.
Palate profile
Producer
Château Rauzan-Ségla, established in 1661 by Pierre de Rauzan, is a historic winery located in the Margaux appellation of Bordeaux, France. Initially part of a larger estate, it was divided in the 18th century, with one portion becoming Rauzan-Ségla. The winery gained prominence in the 18th century, notably when Thomas Jefferson ordered 10 cases after visiting in 1787. In 1855, it was classified as a Second Growth in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification. Acquired by the Wertheimer family, owners of Chanel, in 1994, the estate underwent significant renovations, including a restoration of the château by architect Peter Marino in 1996. Today, the vineyard spans approximately 74 hectares, producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of Margaux.
