Château Rauzan-Ségla’s 2009 Cuvée Ségla, from the renowned Margaux appellation in the Médoc region of Bordeaux, exemplifies the art of classic Bordeaux blends. This wine harnesses primarily Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with smaller proportions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, creating a deep, structured red with both power and finesse. The 2009 vintage was an exceptional year in Bordeaux, marked by a long, warm growing season that encouraged optimal ripening of the grapes. After meticulous selection, the wine undergoes traditional vinification and ages in French oak barrels, benefiting from a balance of new and seasoned wood, which lends both complexity and elegance. The result is a wine of dark ruby colour, with aromatic layers of ripe blackcurrant, plum, violet and subtle notes of cedar and graphite, underpinned by refined tannins and impressive length.
Margaux, situated on the Left Bank of the Gironde estuary, boasts some of the Médoc’s finest, most gravelly soils. This well-draining terrain, combined with the region’s maritime climate, encourages vines to send their roots deep, lending the wines signature finesse and aromatic intensity. Margaux’s history is steeped in viticultural tradition, with its châteaux often cited among the most prestigious in Bordeaux. The region’s mild winters, warm summers, and cooling river breezes set the ideal stage for Cabernet Sauvignon to dominate, producing wines noted for their perfume, elegance and longevity.
To do true justice to this Margaux, pair it with classic French dishes such as roast rack of lamb with thyme, duck breast with red wine sauce, or entrecôte à la Bordelaise. The wine’s structure and complexity also work beautifully with regional cheeses like aged Comté or Saint-Nectaire, as well as mushroom-based dishes like a wild mushroom fricassée.
Serve this wine at a temperature between 16-18°C. Decanting for at least one hour will open up its complex bouquet and soften the youthful structure, allowing you to fully appreciate its balance, depth and lingering finish. This 2009 vintage is drinking beautifully now, especially with food, but will continue to evolve gracefully over the coming decade.
