Rauzan Ségla 2002

53% of the crop made it into this blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. An outstanding wine with a dark ruby/purple color and more power, richness, and concentration than its younger sibling, the 2002 reveals outstanding potential, exhibiting plenty of concentrated black currant fruit with some vanilla, herbs, and licorice. It has about the same level of tannin as the 2003, but seems to have sweeter fruit and more mid-palate and length. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2022 Readers should keep an eye out for Rauzan-Segla as they have invested heavily in a new cuverie with double triage tables installed in time for the 2004 vintage. It appears that the owners, the Chanel firm, backed up by their talented manager John Kolasa, are aspiring to even higher quality at Rauzan-Segla.

Tasted blind at Farr's 2002 Bordeaux tasting. This has a very attractive nose with blackberry, plum, a touch of graphite and violets. Very fine definition. The palate is full-bodied with firm, almost sinewy tannins, harmonious and smooth in texture leading to a slightly more masculine, austere finish that previously encountered. Stylish, a wine with breeding. Tasted October 2009.

Light, Cabernet-dominated nose. Very dry on the palate. Correct but desperately needs food and time whereas the Smith Haut Lafitte for instance could at a stretch be sipped without. Not big. Drink 2010-2020. Date tasted 15th Aug 07.