L'Orme de Rauzan-Gassies by second-growth Chateau Rauzan-Gassies hails from a distinct plot of vines in Haut-Medoc just north of Margaux. Their 2016 Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon bottling commences with rich primary aromas of ripe black fruit, violet, and earth complemented by clove and cedar accents. Polished tannins and fresh acidity balance the wine's rounded texture and will prove invaluable for pairing or short-term cellaring. For a limited time, save 69% on this 97-point Left Bank red blend!
Member Rating: 93
Tech Notes
Wine Details
Decanter World Wine Awards 2020
James Suckling
Unit Size | 750.00 ML |
Varietal | Red Blend
|
Vintage | 2016 |
Grape | Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon |
Country | France |
Appellation | Haut-Médoc |
Region | Bordeaux
|
Alcohol Content | 14.50% |
By Chateau Rauzan-Gassies
L'Orme de Rauzan-Gassies 2016
Wine Details
Grape Varieties: 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon (percentages vary depending on the vintage)
Terroir: The famous terroir of the Saint Seurin de Cadourne village.
Harvest: Manual harvesting, then manual and mechanical sorting
Vinification: Alcoholic fermentation lasts six to eight days. Malolactic fermentation for 15-30 days. Merlot vatting time is 17-21 days, with 19-22 days for the Cabernet Sauvignon.
Aging: 12 months in French oak barrels.
Yield: 50 hl/ha
Winemaker Notes
L'Orme de Rauzan Gassies is made from a vineyard just to the north of Margaux on the terroirs of Saint Seurin de Cadourne. It is neither a second nor third wine, but an entirely separate parcel, skillfully crafted by the winemaking team at Rauzan-Gassies.
The Estate
The origins of the noble house of Gassies in the Medoc go back to medieval times. The Lords of Gassies were considered knights and owed allegiance to the owners of Chateau Margaux. Monsieur de Rauzan acquired the seigneury in 1661 and is responsible for establishing the reputation of its wine. The estate was divided into two parts in 1785. The name of one of these, Rauzan-Gassies, very much reflects its historical roots. Since 1946, second growth Chateau Rauzan-Gassies has belonged to the Quie family, who also own Chateaux Croizet-Bages (a great growth of Pauillac) and Bel Orme Tronquoy de Lalande. Monsieur Paul Quie undertook a major renovation of the vineyard during the postwar period. This was finalized by his son, Jean-Michel, who took over management in 1968. He is assisted by his children, Anne-Francoise and Jean-Philippe, in overseeing the three family chateaux. Their passion for fine wine is very much in the tradition of the great growths of Bordeaux.
Tasting Notes
Deep, lovely ruby color. An expressive nose with notes of violet, sandalwood, and dark fruit, lively and intense. On the palate, it is fresh and silky with very pure, ripe, and rounded fruit flavors. The classic Margaux balance between delicate, perfumed aromas and opulent fruit and spice notes makes for an immensely satisfying and complex wine.
[Information provided by DHI Selections]
[Information is not vintage specific]
Chateau Rauzan-Gassies, L'Orme de Rauzan-Gassies, Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France, 2016
Producer: Chateau Rauzan-Gassies
Wine Name: L'Orme de Rauzan-Gassies
Vintage: 2016
Sub-region: Haut-Medoc
Region: Bordeaux
Country: France
Award: Platinum - Best in Show
Score: 97
Colour: Red
Style: Still - Dry (below 5 g/L residual sugar)
Bottle size: 75cl
Closure: Natural Cork
Alcohol level: 14.50%
Grape composition: 66% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon
In all of the acclaim for 2019 in Bordeaux, we shouldn't forget just how good 2016 was, too, and to find a Haut-Medoc wine still available from this vintage within, as we believed at the time, our Value price category was an unexpected treat. [...] This wine is dark purple-red, with earthy and purposeful aromas. The fruit is rich, dense and closely constituted, just beginning to leave the flush of youth behind it but with plenty of cladding to take it through another half-dozen years of ageing if you wish. The innate depth and tenacity of the fruit suggest serious vineyard origins.
L’ORME DE RAUZAN-GASSIES HAUT-MEDOC 2016
Sunday, February 3, 2019
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Vintage: 2016
Score: 90
Although this is slightly rustic, it’s got stacks of cassis, cranberry and herbal character and a fresh, energetic finish. Very food-friendly. Drink or hold.