Château Rauzan-Ségla 2003 is the grand vin of this historic Margaux Second Growth (1855 classification), an estate owned by Chanel since 1994. In the famously hot 2003 vintage, the wine shows both the year’s ripeness and the château’s preference for structure and perfume.
Several critics converge on a profile that is ripe, mature, and still distinctly Médocain. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (Lisa Perrotti-Brown) describes a “deep garnet-brick” wine built around “espresso, cigar box, sandalwood and leather,” with “raisin cake, prunes and potpourri” and a “chewy frame” lifted by “compelling herbal sparks” on the finish (91). Jane Anson likewise finds it expressive yet composed, noting “crushed raspberry fruit,” “fresh acidities,” and savory details—“coffee bean, liqourice, bitter almond and undergrowth”—and calls it “ready to drink” while still carrying “good tannic structure and character” (91).
The strongest review comes from James Suckling, who awards an excellent 95 points and calls the nose “decadent… with strawberry pie, cream, vanilla, and exotic fruits,” adding that it’s “almost new world in style,” yet “exciting and fresh… A real beauty.” Wine Enthusiast also rates it highly at 94, calling it “a great wine,” saying director John Kolasa’s team “taken advantage of the heat of 2003,” crafting a wine that is “densely tannic” but “retains a cool elegance,” with “blackcurrants, and acidity… poise with power.”
Decanter (91) underlines the vintage stamp—“exotic spices and tender, fully ripened tannins”—while noting “slight green notes… quite welcome” for balance, though “it will not age as well as some other vintages.” Jeb Dunnuck (93) sums up its current appeal: “beautifully balanced… complex, resolved,” “drinking at point today,” and while “not going to get any better,” it should “hold nicely for another 8-10 years.”
Technical details reported include a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot; harvest September 4–22; yields around 30 hl/ha; 18 months in French oak with about 55% new oak; and 12.5% alcohol. Wine Spectator (92) also notes “7,915 cases made” and recommends “Best after 2011.”
