2020 Ch Rauzan-Ségla 2ème Cru, Margaux

Composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Rauzan-Ségla is aging for 18 months in French oak barrels, 60% new. It has an alcohol of 13.5% and a pH of 3.74. Deep purple-black colored, aromas of blackcurrant cordial, stewed red and black plums, chocolate-covered cherries and raspberry coulis erupt from the glass, leading to an undercurrent of tar, licorice, red roses and menthol, plus a hint of unsmoked cigars. The medium-bodied palate is elegant and yet manages seriously impressive intensity, which is well-sustained throughout the mid-palate and finish. Refined and refreshing, delivering beautifully soft, silt-like tannins and bags of bright red and black fruits, it finishes with amazing length and a stunning perfume. Between this and Château Canon, Nicolas Audebert and his team have knocked it out of the park this vintage.

96-98 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown robertparker.com

“The mildew was our biggest challenge this year,” said Technical Director Nicolas Audebert. “It is a very heterogeneous vineyard. More than 20 different soil types. And it is true, the August rain was not the same across Bordeaux. We have 40% Merlot in the blend, like Palmer, which works well this year. The impact of the dry period was stronger on the Cabernet Sauvignon. We had very small berries. The effect of the dryness and the ripeness is there in the wine, but there is no excess of ripeness. There is a little bit of an exotic style. It could be a place where you have a mix of culture and civilization. It is generous but extremely elegant. This was a vintage where we had to fight to get it. It’s like in rugby, when you win by just one point on a rainy day. This is a special wine for me—it has the taste of victory!”

The 2020 Rauzan-Ségla is set to be matured in 60% new oak barrels for an intended 18 months. I left my sample for 30 minutes because, like the Ségla, it was backward and rather taciturn on the nose. It repaid a little patience with very classic scents of blackberry, crushed stone, wilted iris flowers and a hint of orange blossom. The aromatics are exquisitely delineated yet succinctly controlled. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins that support crystalline black fruit interlaced with light graphite and crustacean notes. Brimming with energy and full of tension from start to finish, this is a sophisticated and quite intellectual Margaux. It’s also flippin’ delicious.

96-97 points Neal Martin vinous.com

The 2020 Rauzan-Ségla is all reserve and nowhere near as showy as the last few vintages. Don't be fooled though, this tightly-coiled, brilliant wine has the potential to be magnificent, but it needs time. Sweet floral, spice and cedar nuances open with a bit of coaxing, but the 2020 is in no mood to show all its cards yet. The 2020 is a super-classic Rauzan-Ségla that will delight readers in search of restrained elegance, something that is not so easy to find in Bordeaux these days.

95-97 points Antonio Galloni vinous.com

Full-bodied and layered with velvety layers of tannins that are beautifully interspersed with ripe fruit and dark-chocolate notes. Silky and lightly chewy texture. Very long, solid finish.

97-98 points James Suckling jamessuckling.com