Sorry your session has timed out To maintain your security you have been logged out from Waitrose Cellar due to no activity. Sign in againX
It is has a flinty, mineral note on the nose with underlying ripe oak notes. It has a creamy, rich palate with layers of vanilla custard , lemon curd and toast. The well judged oak is finely balanced and the taut acidity gives a verve and grip. There is a remarkable balance between freshness and weight and the addition of Sauvignon provides aromatic complexity. The broad flavour spectrum and concentration implies a Graves of longevity and class.
Varietal mix: 80% Semillon, 20% Sauvignon Blanc.
Critic's score: Jancis Robinson: 17.5/20. Matthew Jukes: 16.5/20.
An estate which draws on its international ownership and sizeable investment over the years. Château Rahoul was once owned by an Australian journalist but is now managed by Alain Thiénot and produces 100% Semillon whites and reds that can be drunk young or aged.
The reputation of Château Rahoul was initially established on the quality of the small production ( around 10,000 cases)of its white wines. This difference is a strength that is celebrated at Château Rahoul and the predominantly Sémillon-based wines continue to shine in the Sauvignon Blanc universe of Pessac-Léognan. The estate dates back to 1646 and has gradually improved under the auspices of several owners and between 1978 and 1982 the great Australian winemaker Len Evans took over and launched an extensive programme of renovations in the winery. Thereafter the Château was sold to a Dane and in 1986 it was bought by Alain Thiénot who subsequently became a majority shareholder of the CVBG group. At the beginning of the 80’s Rahoul became a member of the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux.
The sandy-gravel profile of the Château is intrinsically linked to the River and these light, early ripening soils, with excellent drainage retain their warmth at night to promote excellent ripening in the grapes, creating prestigious, elegant wines. The tank room is equipped with enough tanks for the grapes to be vinified in separate lots by grape variety and by plots displaying similar characteristics. The wine has 8-10 months in new and used French oak prior to bottling.