Chateau Rauzan-Gassies 2019

 Chateau Rauzan-Gassies is a second-growth 1855 estate. Grapes are hand-picked and undergo 3-week-long fermentations in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks with frequent pumping-overs and addition of yeasts. Aging continues in oak barrels for 14-18 months, of which 25% are new. No press wine is added. Rauzan-Gassies' vineyards are located on alluvial terraces, ∼60% near the chateau and the remaining 40% bordering Chateau Margaux, Palmer & Lascombes. Often, Rauzan-Gassies produces powerful, fairly concentrated wines without the finesse or fragrance usually seen in top Margaux, but reach maturity quickly, usually within 7-8 yrs of vintage.