- Wands hosted a special evening of great wine tasting

Slumbering amid its greenery, Chateau Rauzan-Segla was waiting to be reawakened. This Margaux, ranked as a Second Growth in 1855 Classification, was reborn in 1994 when Chanel became its current owner. At that point, everything was set in motion to restore reputation and rank to this gem of the Margaux appellation. The terroir of Rauzan-Segla was entrusted to John Kolasa whose task was to assemble the necessary resources and people to give the Chateau back its good name.

John Kolasa, General Manager of Chateau Rauzan-Segla, was in Malta in the last days to conduct a wine tasting session for wine-loving guests at the newly opened Radisson SAS Golden Sands Resort and Spa. The event, which included a sumptuous dinner, was hosted by Wands Limited, importers of the Bordeaux vintages Chateau Rauzan-Segla and Chateau Canon of Saint Emilion.

In a short address, Mr Pierre Stafrace, Wands’ General Manager said that Wands’ wine tasting occasions help the both the connoisseur and the novice alike to appreciate and learn more about the great classic wines. “It is a special occasion to meet Mr Kolasa and to hear about the respect Chateau Rauzan-Segla and Chateau Canon have for these Bordeaux wines as well as their commitment to be as natural as possible in the wine-making process so as to help the vintage fully express itself. The results of this humble effort in front of nature’s produce are structured wines that lest on the palate and, most importantly, wines that are made to accompany exquisite food in the company of either family or friends,” said Mr Stafrace.

Mr Kolasa gave a brief description of the Chateau Rauzan-Segla vineyards in Margaux which in all occupy 52 hectares. The chateau was built at the beginning of the last century and its tranquility and its pursuit of excellence attract many wine lovers every day to explore the estate. 

Harvesting begins in the last days of September and in November the wines are delivered to French oak barrels to begin the slow ageing process. The proportion of 50% to 60% new barrels is adhered to every year to bring a harmonious balance to the Rauzan-Segla. After 18 months of ageing in barrels, the wines are bottled. 

“This is essential for developing elegance and bringing our aromatic strength,” said John Kolasa. “Margaux’s unique terroir offers rich, concentrated grapes which give Rauzan-Segla that generous bouquet with its clever elegance. It is necessary to wait at least ten years to experience its full complexity and enjoy an unforgettable pleasure.” 

Mr Kolasa then guided the guests through the wine tasting session which included some of the Premier Crus vintages. These included Chateau Rauzan-Segla 1995, Chateau Rauzan-Segla 1996, and Chateau Canon premier Grand Cru Classe 2000.

The highlight of the evening was the savouring of Chateau Canon Premier Cru Classe and the Chateau Rauzan-Segla, both 1983 vintages, which truly express the characteristics of the Margaux & Saint Emillion terroir.

Mr Kolasa concluded with some advice for buying wine as an investment or for drinking in future years. “If one buys futures and buys well, a 1983 bottle costs a lot more today than in the year of its vintage. This is where wine appreciation enters another dimension. These types of wines require patience as it is only over time that they slowly reveal their noble qualities.”

Finally, he invited Maltese wine enthusiasts to visit the estate and enjoy the exquisite local cuisine in a refined setting or join the handpickers for a real experience in the tranquil region of Margaux.