2010 Chateau Rauzan Gassies Margaux Grand Cru Classe

About the Wine

Château Rauzan-Gassies is a historic estate in the Margaux appellation of Bordeaux, France, with roots tracing back to the 17th century. Originally part of the larger Rauzan estate, it was established when Pierre Desmezures de Rauzan, a key figure in Bordeaux wine history and the manager of Château Margaux, acquired the land in 1661. Over time, the estate was divided, leading to the formation of Château Rauzan-Ségla and Château Rauzan-Gassies.

Recognized for its quality, Château Rauzan-Gassies was classified as a Second Growth (Deuxième Grand Cru Classé) in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, solidifying its reputation among the best wines of the region. Since 1945, the Quié family has owned and managed the estate, maintaining its commitment to tradition while incorporating modern techniques to refine its winemaking process.

The vineyard spans 28.5 hectares (70 acres), planted on the sandy-gravel soils that define Margaux's signature elegance and finesse. The grapes are carefully cultivated to bring out the balance and complexity characteristic of the estate's wines.

Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks over three weeks, ensuring precise fermentation. Afterward, the wine is aged for 14 to 18 months in French oak barrels, 30% of which are new, adding depth, structure, and a refined oak influence to the final wine.

The 2010 vintage is considered one of the standout vintages in Bordeaux, known for its near-perfect growing conditions. It was awarded 99pts by Wine Spectator, who said: "Ripe and powerful, with racy tannins and acidity for balance. More structure-driven than the opulent 2009, with better definition of fruit; should be very long-lived."

Aging: 14 to 18 months in oak barrels (30% new oak)

Tasting Notes

65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot. This medium-bodied Margaux delivers aromas of spearmint, cassis, tobacco, smoke, and cedar, with a touch of minerality. On the palate, soft textures lead to flavors of dark cherry and red berries, finishing with subtle tartness and refined tannins. Approachable now, but will continue to develop over time.

Critical Reviews

Intense, dark crimson. Profound nose of fresh red and black fruits. Subtle oak. Powerful, warm palate framing refined, evident stuffing. A robust, generous wine with good fruit expression. Touch of firmness on the finish. ~93 Gilbert & Gaillard

A nice sprinkling of cedary finesse on the nose, the fruit coming though with a rich berry, even lightly floral fragrance, delicate notes of cigar smoke and cherry. The palate has good freshness. Lovely fresh, but sweet and round finish, the tanins well handled. ~92 Tom Cannavan

Dark ruby ​​garnet, violet reflections, subtle brightening of the rim, ripe dark wild berry confit, a hint of licorice and sea buckthorn, and a delicate hint of orange zest. Juicy, elegant, pleasantly sweet extract, fine, silky tannins, a delicate hint of chocolate on the finish, already well-developed, a typical representative of the appellation. ~91 Falstaff

With the 2009 and 2010 vintages, Rauzan-Gassies has hit its stride after many years of disappointments. This 2010 is powerful, fruity, dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon's black currant flavor. There is a touch of barnyard at the end, but this is likely a passing phase. ~91 Wine Enthusiast

The 2010 is a very strong effort from this estate, which is situated next to the other, better-known Rauzan, Rauzan-Ségla. Dense purple, its sweet notes of underbrush, forest floor, licorice, black currants and a hint of lead pencil shavings are followed by a lush, ripe, surprisingly fleshy and succulent wine that is much more evolved and forward at this stage than when tasted from barrel. I thought this wine would need more cellar time, but it is actually approachable in spite of its size, richness and density. Give it several years of cellaring and drink it over the following 20+ years. ~ 90, Robert Parker

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