2016 Chateau Rauzan Segla - Margaux (750ml)

One of the finest wines ever produced at this historic Margaux estate, the 2016 Rauzan-Ségla is a benchmark Second Growth in a benchmark vintage. Blended from 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot, aged 18 months in 60% new French oak.  Deep garnet-purple in the glass, it drifts from the glass with fragrant rose hip tea, candied violets, and chocolate box scents over a core of fresh blackcurrants and black cherry compote, with wafts of tobacco and dusty soil.  On the palate, a lovely core of creamy anise-infused plum, blackberry, and boysenberry flavors showcases itself more vividly than many Margaux peers, with substantial but velvety grip and violet, graphite, and black tea notes flowing through a long, beautiful finish.  Alongside the 2015, considered one of the finest wines ever made at the property.  Drinking well now with a decant, but built for the long haul — best through 2038–2050.

98 pts – Jeb Dunnuck | 97 pts – Wine Advocate