Forget "The Bachelor" Ben Flajnik's wimpy winery in Sonoma! The best vinos hail from France — whether it's the Burgundy, Rhône, Alsace, Bordeaux, Champagne or Languedoc regions. The land that cradled couture icon Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel has also produced some of the most robust, flavorful, juicy grapes — which, in turn, have revolutionized the cuisine arena and pleased gourmands the world over. As someone with an appreciation for the finest things in life, then, Coco Chanel would have been pleased to know that, as part of her legacy, the Chanel corporation purchases its own vineyard in the late 20th century: the Château Rauzan-Ségla.
The 130-acre vineyard, located in the Margaux section of Bordeaux, was part of an expansive estate owned by Pierre de Mesures de Rauzan since 1662. In 1994, Chanel acquired the celebrated vineyard, best known for its Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots, and helped to elevate every single element of these wines' constitutions — from its inviting bouquet to its full-bodied structure, velvety texture, comforting warmth, and delightful finish.
To celebrate its 350th anniversary, Château Rauzan-Ségla is poised to unveil a new 2009 vintage edition of its Grand Cru Classé. Hitting fine wine retailers in March, the Grand Cru Classé comes in a collectible bottle bearing a label illustrated by Karl Lagerfeld, longtime creative director of the Chanel fashion house. To celebrate these landmarks, Lagerfeld offered his own rendition of the château itself which, with the help of New York-based architect Peter Marino was restored to its former glory, also paying special attention to the well-manicured grounds and the palatial courtyard, detailing everything from the tiled rooftop to the arched walkway, and the landscaping arrangement, with its potted shrubs, lavender flower beds, and the white frangipani blossoms positioned in between the façade's windows.
The Château Rauzan-Ségla Grand Cru Classé will retail for $129 and is available for pre-order right now!
