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1985 Rausan Segla

1985 Rausan Segla

93+ JG

Featured Review
(Château Rauzan-Ségla) In my mind, both the 1983 and 1985 vintages of Rauzan-Ségla are both quite underrated, as it is common wisdom (at least here in the states) that the renaissance at the estate commenced here with the 1986 vintage. This most recent bottle of the 1985 was absolutely stellar, offering up a complex and very beautifully perfumed nose of red and black raspberries, a touch of grilled meat, fresh herb tones, a lovely base of dusty stoniness, cedar and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, focused and tangy, with excellent complexity, a fine core of pure fruit, modest tannins and outstanding length and grip on the perfectly focused and very classy finish. A beautiful ’85. (Drink between 2013-2035). John Gilman

Cellar Tracker | 93+ JG

Critic Reviews

(Château Rauzan-Ségla) In my mind, both the 1983 and 1985 vintages of Rauzan-Ségla are both quite underrated, as it is common wisdom (at least here in the states) that the renaissance at the estate commenced here with the 1986 vintage. This most recent bottle of the 1985 was absolutely stellar, offering up a complex and very beautifully perfumed nose of red and black raspberries, a touch of grilled meat, fresh herb tones, a lovely base of dusty stoniness, cedar and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, focused and tangy, with excellent complexity, a fine core of pure fruit, modest tannins and outstanding length and grip on the perfectly focused and very classy finish. A beautiful ’85. (Drink between 2013-2035).

John Gilman | 93+ JG
Broad, rich and concentrated with loads of ripe plum, currants, and earth, woven together in a full, gentle style. The nose offers a bouquet of cedar and fruit and the flavors spread out on the palate and linger on the finish.

Wine Spectator | 92 WS
The 1985 Rauzan-Ségla is a vintage that I have tasted several times from bottles I picked up cheaply some years ago. I was particularly effusive about the 1985 although, I feel that it has decayed a little since my last note in 2010. Soft red berry fruit, hedgerow, sage and mushrooms on the loose-knit nose, very typical for a 1985 though it is less intense nowadays. The palate is very savory in style with roasted chestnut and ferrous notes infusing the finish that has an appealing rounded texture. Maybe there are better bottles out there? In any case, don't hesitate to crack one of these open. Tasted from a bottle from my personal cellar.

Vinous Media | 91 VM

Wine Details for 1985 Rausan Segla

Type of Wine Bordeaux Red : Picture in your mind a combination of cedar, lead pencil, blackcurrant, plum and mineral aromatics, and texture that caresses your palate like a playful lover. The experience is thrilling from the first whiff to the final seconds of a tannic, generous finish - that is what you'll get from a Bordeaux Red
Varietal Bordeaux Blend
Country France : Wine is the lifeblood that courses through the country of France, pulsing with vigorous pride and determination. Viticulture is not just a hobby or an occupation in France; it is a passion, a cherished tradition that has been passed down through generations of wine stained hands. Winemaking is a beloved art that has been ingrained in the culture, an aptitude instilled in sons by fathers and the hallmark for which France’s reputation was built, allowing it to be renowned as, arguably, the most important wine producing country in the world.



For centuries, France has been producing wines of superior quality and in much greater quantity than any other country in the world. It boasts some of the most impressive wine regions, coveted vineyards and prestigious wines on earth. The regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone, Sauternes and Champagne have become the benchmark, for which others aspire to become. Legendary producers such as Chateaux Margaux, Domaine De La Romanee Conti, Chapoutier, d’Yquem and Dom Perignon are idolized world-wide.



France has stamped its name on nearly every style of wine, from the nectar-like sweet Sauternes to hedonistic Chateauneuf Du Papes classic Bordeaux and Burgundy, to its sparkling dominance in Champagne. Many of the most infamous grape varietals in the world, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay originated in France and are not only beloved, but utilized in the creation of some of the greatest wines on earth. French wine production commands the attention of the wine market year after year. With over 860,000 hectares under vine, and numbers close to 50 million hectoliters of wine produced annually, France dominates the market and sets the standard for not only product quality, but also quantity.



France’s many contributions to the world of wine have been absolutely indispensable. The country is the originator of the term “Premier Cru,” coined the term Terroir (a French term so complex there is no literal translation) and has laid the blueprint for a structured appellation system, which others have implemented in their own countries. French vineyard techniques and winemaking practices are mimicked world-wide. California vintners have been replicating Rhone style wines for decades, South America has adopted the French varietal of Malbec and countries around the world are imitating Burgundian styled Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.



With vast diversity in terroir, France is home to some of the most hospitable winegrowing locations on earth. The combination of topography, geology, climate, rainfall and even the amount of sunlight combined with the long historical tradition of winegrowing and making, has allowed the vintners of France to not only hone their skills, but learn from nature to create a product that like the world in which it resides… is very much alive.


Overview

Producer Chateau Rauzan Segla : At Chateau Rauzan Segla, each day is recognized as being unique. Nature and its whims will often shuffle the cards and there can be no expectations of what those cards may hold. Yet, the skills inherited from their forefathers and the learned human talent help to keep this Margaux, Second Growth estate on track.

The history of Rauzan Segla can be traced back to 1661, when Pierre Desmezures de Rauzan became the new owner of the Noble House of Gassies. He was already well versed in the Bordeaux wine world, being the manager of Chateau Margaux, Chateau Latour and owner of the vineyards that make up what we know today as Pichon Lalande and Pichon Baron in Pauillac.

After his death in 1692, the property was divided between the sons, birthing the estates of Rauzan Segla and Rauzan Gassies. By the end of the 18th century, Rauzan Segla had become famous around the world. Thomas Jefferson, who was a major wine enthusiast at the time and would later become the third President of the United States, ordered ten cases of Rauzan Segla after visiting the Margaux appellation of Bordeaux in 1787. At that time, Jefferson declared that Rauzan Segla was truly at the top of the Second Growths.

Over the years, the Left Bank property has undergone extensive renovations, including a state-of-the-art winery and modernized cellars. The estate hired architects to design the renovations, sought professional consulting by Emile Peynaud, and engineered rigorous replanting of parcels in the vineyards. Each parcel was planted in perfect harmony between varietal and soil type.

Today, the focus is on the health of the vines, the intensity of flavor in the grapes, with a commitment to respecting nature. The entire vineyard is now organically farmed. The goal is to taste the grape, the terroir for which nurtures it and allow human talent to understand and respect nature, while remaining true to the heritage and style of wine for which Rauzan Segla is known. Each day brings either joy or hardship and all the hard work from the day prior can be ruined the next. The commitment to act with courage and allow nature to dictate the harvest, while human efforts work to make it successful.

The 74 hectares under vine dwell in a terroir of mostly gravel with clay soils, while the proximity to the Gironde Estuary allows a more temperate micro-climate which brings warmth to the vines during the harsh winters and cool breezes that cut the summer heat. The vineyard is planted to 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. A second wine, Segla, is produced but is not offered as a future but sold once it is bottled. Between the flagship and the second wine, around 20,000 cases are produced annually.

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