Château Rauzan-Gassies

The estate's history reaches back to the 14th century, when the site was known as the noble house of Gassies. In the 17th century, Pierre Desmezures de Rauzan unified and elevated the property into the prestigious Domaine de Rauzan. A pivotal division in 1763 split the estate into two distinct châteaux, creating Rauzan-Gassies as a separate entity. The Quié family acquired the property in 1946 under Paul Quié, and successive generations have stewarded it since, with the current leadership of Anne-Françoise and Jean-Philippe Quié beginning in 2000.

• Noble house of Gassies documented from the 14th century
• Pierre Desmezures de Rauzan consolidated the domaine in the 17th century
• Estate divided in 1763, giving rise to two separate classified growths
• Quié family ownership unbroken since 1946

The vineyard spans approximately 28.5 to 30 hectares and sits on two of the most prestigious hillsides in the Margaux appellation, with elevations reaching up to 21 meters and an outlook over the Gironde estuary. The soils are characterised by deep gravels and sandy glacial deposits that provide excellent natural drainage, a hallmark of the finest Margaux terroir. The temperate maritime climate of the Haut-Médoc moderates temperatures and allows for slow, even ripening of the grape varieties planted.

• Up to 21 meters elevation on two prominent hillsides overlooking the Gironde
• Deep glacial and sandy gravels with strong natural drainage
• Temperate maritime climate typical of the Haut-Médoc
• 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot

For more than five decades, Rauzan-Gassies was widely regarded as one of the most consistent underperformers within the 1855 Classification, failing to deliver wines commensurate with its Second Growth status. That trajectory changed decisively when the Quié family launched a comprehensive renovation programme in 2013. Cellar modernisation was completed in 2018, and quality improvements became unmistakable from the 2015 vintage onward. The 2020 vintage was identified as the best wine produced by the estate since 1928, signalling that the renaissance is substantive rather than superficial. In 2024, the château received the prestigious 'Living Heritage Company' label, recognising its commitment to artisanal excellence.

• Regarded as a chronic underperformer for over 50 years prior to 2013
• Major renovation of cellars launched 2013, completed 2018
• 2015 vintage marked the turning point in wine quality
• 2020 vintage considered the finest since 1928; 'Living Heritage Company' label awarded in 2024

Rauzan-Gassies produces red wines that embody the classic Margaux character: refined, elegant, and deeply perfumed. Violet and blackcurrant aromas lead the nose, supported by the silky, soft tannin structure that distinguishes the best wines of the appellation. The high proportion of Merlot at 40% contributes roundness and approachability, while the majority Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure and longevity. The result is a wine that rewards both early appreciation and extended cellaring.

• Violet and blackcurrant aromas typical of the Margaux appellation
• Soft, silky tannins with a delicate and perfumed character
• 40% Merlot adds early roundness; Cabernet Sauvignon provides backbone
• Suited to medium and long-term cellaring