Chateau Rauzan Segla of the Margaux appellation has had a quite a history and continues to make history as they climb to the top of the Bordeaux "Super Seconds" ranks.
Vintage
The 1995 vintage represents a very special time in Rauzan Segla history. One year prior, the Chateau was purchased by the wealthy Chanel group, with general management landing in the competent hands of John Kolasa and David Orr (both of Chateau Latour!). With first-growth knowledge and a clear idea of what Rauzan could be, the two managers fueled a complete renovation that would bring Rauzan to be the staple Margaux Chateau that we know today.
The first and most obvious change was the return to the original spelling to Rauzan Segla (from Rausan). More important, additions of the team included cutting the production in half to focus on quality, implementing 100% manual harvesting, and purchasing new state of the art equipment - most importantly, the sorting tables for ultimate inspection. Much to its advantage, 1995 was the first vintage to see the entirety of the team's major changes.
Robert Parker also has a great affinity for 1995 Red Bordeaux - quoting:
"Readers who purchased the 1995s early, before prices began to soar, will be thrilled to know that after bottling, the 1995s, for the most part, are exhibiting more promise than they did from cask. At the minimum, 1995 is an excellent vintage, yet given the high percentage of outstanding wines, a strong argument can be made that 1995 comes close to rivaling such great vintages as 1990 and 1982." - RPWA
Tasting
1995 Rauzan Segla is comprised of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. I decanted the wine for about an hour. The dominate Cabernet brings a deep, inky purple color and a robust mouth feel while the Merlot softens the palate with hints of sweet, ripe cassis fruit. The tannins are dark and concentrated. This wine is in it for the long haul - a classic "vin de garde" as Parker would say. Pair this beauty with a big juicy steak from Flannery Beef! While showing lovely right now, this wine still has 20 years ahead of it!!
Format
How many times have you found yourself during the middle of the week craving a GOOD bottle of wine while preparing a nice dinner, but didn't want to open the entire bottle just to potentially waste half of it? Demis (half bottles) are perfect for mid-week occasions. While we'd all like to feel good about drinking a full bottle of wine on any given Tuesday, most of us have to worry about that 6 AM alarm clock! Also, Bordeaux half-bottle OWC cases are very hard to come by, especially at this price!
The 1995 Rauzan Segla showcases the classic characteristics of Margaux, promises to drink for 20+ years to come, and costs well under $100 per bottle. Also, purchasing a case of half-bottles is the way to go for those enthusiasts who'd economically like to taste the development of a 1995 Deuxiémes Cru Left Bank Bordeaux. Simply put - it's a smart buy!