Rauzan Ségla 2006

Slightly light crimson. Competent and reasonably sleek though it’s difficult to see real soul and personality. Big and bold and bloody with substantial tannins. Maybe just embryonic, but very stolid. Dry finish. Hard work! Though there is some succulence in the middle. Just inexpressive for now would be my guess. Good texture.

Bright red-ruby. Aromas of boysenberry, licorice and cedary, nutty oak lifted by a floral topnote. Juicy, dry and vinous; not a particularly fleshy wine but elegant, high-pitched and sexy, with lovely energy giving clarity to the sappy dark fruit, licorice and oak flavors. Finishes with firm tannins and very good sneaky persistence. Classic claret. Not hard today, but I'd still sock this one away.

This is another property that has managed to mix fragrant charm with sweetness of fruit. Violets intermingle with bilberry on the nose and, on the palate, there is a racy mix of flavours, all filling out and giving weight right at the back.

A strong effort from this property situated across the street from Chateau Palmer, Rauzan-Segla’s harvest occurred between September 21 and October 7. Fifty-five percent of the production made it into the final blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot. A soft, classic style as well as ripe tannin suggest both the 1996 and 1986 vintages. The deep ruby/purple-tinged 2006 exhibits sweet, floral, black cherry, raspberry, and currant notes along with a subtle touch of menthol. Medium-bodied, elegant, pure, and surprisingly charming and approachable, it will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age, and should keep for 20-25 years.

Tasted at the UGC. As usual, Rauzan-Ségla offers quintessential Margaux. A very tight black cherry nose with cedar, smoke and cigar box. The palate is very well balanced with fine structure and definition with notes of blackberry leaf, Morello, cranberry and cedar. Cohesive, very good depth, solid with a firm, ripe, succulent finish. This is delightful. Tasted April 2007.

Good full red. Dusty redcurrant, musky mocha and cedar on the nose, complicated by game and flowers. Rich, ripe and lush, but nicely framed by sound acidity. Broad and classically dry on the back end, with lovely subtle ripeness of fruit.