Rauzan Segla 2018 (1.5L)

97-99+ Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2018 Rauzan-Ségla is blended of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested from September 27 to October 11; Merlot from September 13-27; Cabernet Franc on September 28; and Petit Verdot from September 28-29. The wine has 14% alcohol and aging is anticipated to be 18 months in barriques, 65% new. Deep purple-black in color, it comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant notes of warm plums, crème de cassis, Black Forest cake and candied violets with hints of mocha, Indian spices and fragrant earth plus a waft of crushed rocks. Full-bodied, multilayered and sporting a lot of freshness and tension in the mouth in spite of all its decadent perfumed black fruits, it has a firm, finely grained frame and seamless freshness, finishing long and fragrant. Seduction in a glass." 04/19

95 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2018 Rauzan-Ségla has a sublime bouquet of black cherries, violet and lavender, all beautifully defined and focused. The oak is seamlessly enmeshed both here and on the palate. The graphite-tinged black fruit is framed by very fine tannins and matched with a perfect bead of acidity. There is an abiding symmetry about this Rauzan-Ségla that is totally endearing, and it delivers so much freshness on the finish. Absolutely superb." 03/21

97-100 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2018 Rauzan-Ségla is fabulous. Regal and soaring in the glass, Rauzan-Ségla is simply unforgettable. Stunning aromatics and layers of flavor develop in the glass in a drop-dead gorgeous Rauzan that will leave readers weak at the knees. Inky and explosive, the 2018 possesses off the charts intensity and richness. Leather, licorice, spice and grilled herbs add nuance as the 2018 builds to a huge crescendo of aromas, flavors and textures on the finish. I won't be surprised if one day the 2018 is considered among the greatest Rauzan-Séglas of all time. It is a tremendous achievement by the property and the team lead by Technical Director Nicolas Audebert. Don't miss it! Tasted four times." 04/19

99 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: "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." 01/21

96 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator: "Concentrated, with a deep well of cassis and dark cherry preserve, but it maintains the grace and perfume typical of Margaux, flowing with silky charm as lilac, red tea, mineral and sanguine details fill in gently behind the fruit. Long and very suave finish sparkles with a savory note. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2025 through 2040." 01/21

97 Points, Jane Ansen, Decanter: "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." 11/20

99 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com: "Reminding me of the 2016, the 2018 Château Rauzan-Segla reveals this beautifully fresh, complex bouquet that still has serious richness and depth. Based on 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, raised in 65% new barrels, it offers a dense purple hue to go with gorgeous notes of blackcurrants, spring flowers, cigar wrapper, and sandalwood. A quintessential Margaux with its spicy, complex, floral character, it's full-bodied and has a supple, elegant texture, no hard edges, a solid spine of acidity, and a great, great finish. This is a brilliant, heavenly 2018 to enjoy over the coming 30 years or more." 03/21