Chateau Rauzan-Segla

“This terroir produces a wine of elegance and complexity as opposed to pure power and richness. This is classic Margaux” — Jeb Dunnuck

Chateau Rauzan-Segla, a name synonymous with Bordeaux's finest estates, boasts deep-rooted connections with renowned Chateaux like Margaux, Latour, Pichon Baron, and Pichon Lalande. Today, it shines as a beacon of exceptional value within Bordeaux and represents the quintessential expression of Margaux's classic charm. Jeb Dunnuck confidently ranks this estate "among the top producers in the Médoc." A quality renaissance has swept through Rauzan-Segla, thanks to its devoted proprietors, who happen to helm the iconic luxury brand, Chanel. With their unwavering commitment, they've not only elevated wine quality but also the estate's reputation, entering it into the "Super Seconds" discussion. There's no better time than now to embrace this classic Bordeaux in your collection.

Rauzan Segla Chanel Ownership

The recent quality revolution at Chateau Rauzan-Segla traces back to 1994 when the estate was acquired by Alain and Gerard Wertheimer, the visionary minds behind Chanel. After failing to purchase Chateau Latour, the Wertheimer brothers turned their attention to Rauzan-Segla. Both Wetheimer brothers were eager to bring the estate to its glory days, which earned Rauzan-Segla a Second Growth classification in 1855. The pair quickly hired John Kolasa from Latour, hiring him as the estate's managing director and enlisting the help of famed architect Peter Marino to restore the Chateau's interior. Since the takeover, Rauzan-Segla has again risen to the top of Bordeaux's wine industry following its dire spell from 1956 to 1983.

Two years after purchasing Rauzan-Segla, the brothers added St-Emilion's Chateau Canon to their portfolio. Today, under their unwavering commitment and a "no expense spared" approach, both Chateaux stand at the pinnacle of Bordeaux winemaking.

Chateau Rauzan-Segla Margaux Heritage

Upon acquiring the Margaux estate, Alain and Gerard's first order of business was to restore its original name from "Rausan-Segla" to "Rauzan-Segla." The estate's historical identity had been altered during the 20th century, but the Chanel brothers, renowned for their branding prowess, swiftly reinstated its heritage. Next came the Chateau's renovation, which included a complete makeover of the vat room, where larger tanks were replaced with smaller ones, allowing for more precise, parcel-by-parcel vinification. Simultaneously, they initiated the reconstitution of the vineyards, reintroducing lost parcels of petit verdot.

Rauzan-Segla Wine: A Vast Canvas

The estate's vast 70-hectare vineyard features gravelly and clay soils, housing vines with an average age of 35 years. With two sections stretching across the Cantenac plateau and near Margaux village, the vineyard neighbors other Bordeaux powerhouses, Chateau Palmer and Chateau Latour. The land has been organically farmed since 2019 and achieved official organic certification in 2023. Its vines are composed of 62% cabernet sauvignon, 36% merlot, 1% cabernet franc, and 1% petit verdot.

In 2010, the Chateau undertook an extensive replanting project of the entire vineyard, increasing the planting density from 6,500 vines per hectare to 10,000. Furthermore, a soil study was conducted to understand each plot better, leading to each plot being harvested separately. 15 years later, the project has massively paid off for Rauzan-Segla, which has received higher scores at a consistent rate. And with Nicolas Audebert taking over from Kolasa in 2015, Rauzan-Segla stands as a contender for the coveted 'Super Second' label. 

Chateau Rauzan-Segla by Karl Lagerfeld: 2009 Label

For the 2009 vintage, Chateau Rauzan-Segla partnered with the late Chanel designer, Karl Lagerfeld, to create the bottle's label. It was only fitting that the Wertheimer brothers would fuse their businesses to create a standout label for the winery's 350th anniversary.  Lagerfeld produced a drawing of the Chateau using crayon and watercolor, while the capsule was colored pink, quite literally topping off the bottle's unique nature.

Inside the bottle, the wine similarly captivated the wine world's attention, joining the high ranks of the famed 2009 Bordeaux vintage. Rated 95 points or higher by nearly every critic, the wine has been described as classic Margaux, a full-bodied and decadent wine that will live for years in the cellar. 

Add Chateau Rauzan-Segla Wine To Your Collection

After appraising 25 vintages under Chanel's ownership, Jeb Dunnuck aptly declared, "Unquestionably this team is firing on all cylinders." While the estate's quality has been on a steady incline, its prices have remained refreshingly modest compared to its Bordeaux counterparts. Here, you'll discover wines that encapsulate the pure and classic essence of Margaux, characterized by elegance and complexity, all at an irresistibly attractive price point. Whether you're a seasoned collector or an aspiring connoisseur, Chateau Rauzan-Segla is a must-have addition to your collection.