The 2015 Rauzan Gassies is powerful and rather rustic, with potent tannins that convey and impression of rusticity. Smoke, grilled herbs, licorice, scorched earth and wild cherry notes add to the wines brooding, virile personality. The 2015 could turn out to be a small jewel of a wine if it softens a bit with time in bottle. The blend is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot.

The 2015 Rauzan Gassies...having visited the property last year, I was yearning to like this Margaux, but contrasted against its peers, it clearly falls short in terms of fruit concentration on the lean and leafy nose. The palate is better with more weight and body than recent vintages, dried herbs and spice on the entry, dark berry fruit tinged with cola and a healthy pinch of white pepper on the finish. If the aromatics can raise their game and meet the quality of the palate, then this will be a fine Margaux. Let's see what happens during its barrel maturation.

Tasted blind. Intense and curranty and lively. Dry but not too dry finish. Pretty persistent. Stood up well to its peers – or at least to less-exalted Margauxs – in this vintage. (JR)