The 2000 Rauzan-Ségla was the only vintage that I procured myself out in the market because of many fond memories. I am so glad I did fill in the gap because I feel it is a rather overlooked gem. It has a gorgeous bouquet, a little backward at first but then opening with black cherries, blueberry jam and hints of Provençal herbs, though none of the saddle leather I noticed back in 2010. The palate is medium-bodied with smooth tannins, nigh perfect acidity and a rich, quite grippy finish. The estate prefers the 2001 but I find this possesses more ambition. Tasted at Lorne restaurant in London.

While the bottled 2000 still reveals a certain sternness in addition to tough tannin, it is sweeter and more expansive and flavorful. The dark ruby/purple color is saturated and impressive. With coaxing, notes of lead pencil shavings, black currants, earth, cedar, and spice box emerge from a relatively closed, firm, medium to full-bodied wine or, as the French would say, a classic vin de garde (for long-term cellaring). Although austere, it is a classic, authoritatively flavored effort that requires patience. I would like to see sweeter tannin and more flesh built into the mid-palate, but there is no denying the classicism and purity of this 2000. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025.