Château RAUZAN-GASSIES 2000
In Margaux, Château Rauzan-Gassies belongs to the historic estates originating from the former Rauzan domain, whose origins date back to the 17th century. Second Grand Cru Classé in 1855, the château benefits from a vineyard planted on deep gravelly hillsides particularly favorable to Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot completes this structure by bringing more flesh and suppleness, while Petit Verdot traditionally intervenes to enhance depth and the spicy register. The property has belonged to the Quié family since the mid-20th century, who have gradually undertaken vineyard restructuring and modernization of the facilities. The 2000 vintage is a major year in Bordeaux, with maturation conditions particularly favorable to concentration and the quality of tannins. In Margaux, this generous ripeness was accompanied by a beautiful freshness, allowing the great Cabernets to retain length and precision. After more than twenty-five years in bottle, Rauzan-Gassies 2000 is now in a maturity phase where the initial structure has softened and where tertiary complexity fully takes its place.
The wine is based on the estate's traditional grape varieties, dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, complemented by Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon provides the backbone, with expressions of blackcurrant, graphite, and cedar, while Merlot enriches the mid-palate with a softer and velvety texture. Petit Verdot adds peppery nuances and additional depth. The grapes are vinified in batches to preserve the characteristics specific to the different plots before the final blending. Aging in French oak barrels then accompanies the material and contributes to the gradual integration of tannins. In the generous context of 2000, this construction produced a wine endowed with beautiful density and significant aging potential. The years have now largely softened the wood imprint and mellowed the tannic framework, revealing a more complex and harmonious expression.
The color shows a deep garnet evolving towards ruby hues and slightly tawny on the rim. The bouquet combines ripe blackcurrant, black plum, and cherry with notes of violet, cedar, and blond tobacco. Upon aeration, fine leather, undergrowth, licorice, sweet spices, and discreet truffle nuances gradually appear. The palate maintains a beautiful structure, but the tannins are now polished and give the wine a silkier texture. The evolved fruit remains supported by sufficient freshness to maintain length and preserve the elegance typical of Margaux. The finish extends on tobacco, graphite, spices, and earthy nuances in a fully mature register. Château Rauzan-Gassies 2000 will accompany roasted pigeon, beef fillet with porcini mushrooms, rack of lamb, game birds, or refined cuisine centered around black truffle.
Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
