Château RAUZAN-GASSIES 1998
In Margaux, Château Rauzan-Gassies belongs to the historical heritage of the appellation and originates from the old Rauzan estate, established in the 17th century before being gradually divided. Classified as a Second Grand Cru in 1855, the château benefits from deep gravelly slopes particularly suited to Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by more clayey areas favorable to Merlot. The property has belonged to the Quié family since 1946, who have undertaken significant restructuring of the vineyard and modernization of the facilities over the decades. The traditional grape blend gives a major place to Cabernet Sauvignon, whose structure and freshness form the backbone of the wine, while Merlot adds more suppleness and flesh. Petit Verdot completes the ensemble with spicy nuances and additional depth. The 1998 vintage, particularly famous on the right bank, offers on the left bank a more classic profile, with structured Cabernets and gradual evolution. After more than twenty-five years in bottle, Rauzan-Gassies 1998 is now in a phase of full maturity where the fruit gently fades in favor of a refined tertiary expression.
The blend of the vintage is based on the estate's traditional grape varieties, dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with a complement of Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon provides a straight and persistent framework, marked by evolved blackcurrant, cedar, and graphite. Merlot enriches the mid-palate with a softer texture, with nuances of plum and ripe black fruits. Petit Verdot intervenes more discreetly but contributes to the spicy register and overall structure. The different lots are vinified separately before blending to preserve the characteristics specific to the different parcels. Aging in French oak barrels then accompanies the structure and allows the tannins to gradually integrate during aging. Today, the wine presents a more polished architecture, supported by freshness still sufficient to maintain balance and length.
The color shows an evolved garnet with ruby and more marked tile nuances on the rim. The nose develops aromas of ripe blackcurrant, plum, and black cherry, accompanied by cedar, blond tobacco, and dried violet. With aeration, fine leather, undergrowth, licorice, sweet spices, and discreet truffle nuances gradually appear. The palate is supple and harmonious, with tannins now largely melted, giving a silky texture. The evolved fruit remains supported by a beautiful freshness, while notes of tobacco, graphite, and fine earth gradually take over. The finish is elegant and persistent, in a fully mature register typical of Margaux wines with good evolution. Château Rauzan-Gassies 1998 will accompany roasted pigeon, beef fillet with cep mushrooms, rack of lamb, game birds, or refined cuisine around black truffle.
Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
