Ségla Margaux 2016

Dark ruby garnet, purple reflections, subtle edge brightening. Red forest berry confit, some vanilla, delicate herbal savouriness, cherries and fresh orange zest. Medium body, lean, red berry fruit, subtle tannin, lemony finish.

This is one of the most structured Séglas for a long time with full body, a sold core of fruit and firm, chewy tannins that are polished and focused. Tight at the end. Hazelnut finish. Drink in 2024.

The 2016 Ségla is sexy, racy and inviting, all qualities found in the Grand Vin, but naturally on a smaller scale. Silky tannins and soft, pliant, red-toned fruit all add to the wine's early appeal. There is so much to like in this expressive, open-knit second wine from Rauzan-Ségla. As always, Ségla is sold only in bottle (not en primeur) and offered to the market with a few years of bottle age, when the estate believes the wine is starting to drink well. Ségla is a blend taken mostly from satellite parcels, along with younger vine fruit from the château's core holdings.

The 2016 Segla had been blended for a month when I tasted it with the exception of 14 experimental barrels. It comprises of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 53% Merlot with 1% each of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, matured in 20% new oak. It has a very polished and quite opulent bouquet with kirsch, blackberry, a touch of glycerine and just a hint of menthol. The palate is medium-bodied with very supple tannin, silky smith in texture with a dash of spice on the back palate, and a compact but long finish.