Château Rauzan-Ségla

About Château Rauzan-Ségla

Château Rauzan-Ségla and Mouton-Rothschild were considered the two leading Second Growths of the 19th Century. Whilst Mouton's ascension has become the stuff of legend as the only property to achieve an alteration to the 1855 classification, Rauzan-Ségla dwindled dreadfully due to a succession of almost inexplicably disappointing wines.

In truth, its Renaissance began some time before the introduction of the Chanel Group propelled the estate into the stratosphere. Rauzan-Ségla's initial sale in the early 1980s saw the eminent Professor Peynaud appointed as the consultant, who increased both proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon and new oak into the wines. In 1986 an entirely new winery was built.

Increasing quality, vintage after vintage, obviously did not go unnoticed by the vinous titan that is the Chanel Group, and they acquired the historic in 1994. Today, Château Rauzan-Ségla is one of a trio of Bordeaux estates owned by the fashion house Chanel, along with Château Canon and Chateau Berliquet. Rauzan-Ségla is a Margaux 2éme Grand Cru Classé (“Second Growth”) estate. The Wertheimer brothers (owners of Chanel) has invested brilliantly which has paid dividends aplenty.

The Vineyard and The Winemaking

The new owners began a vast investment programme. Alongside hiring Peter Marino to restore the historic château, they have replaced concrete vats with smaller vessels for precise vinification and also implemented a sweeping replanting program that is still under way after nearly 30 years of acquisition.

The newer plantings feature more Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and the addition of Petit Verdot. Today, the vineyard comprises 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. While much of their vines are on the Cantenac plateau, they also have vines close to Margaux's village. Slightly more than half their vineyard is well placed, directly adjacent to the château. They also have vines close to Chateau Margaux and not far from Brane Cantenac.