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.

2002 was a long, late harvest after a wet summer, with the grapes brought in between 28 September and 10 October. The tannins are still in evidence here, and the Cabernet Sauvignon is still dominating. Things remain a little austere and rigid, although there's no question the black fruits are well defined. 2% Cabernet Franc makes up the blend. 53% new oak. 27hl/ha yield. Drinking Window 2019 - 2038
Tasted by Jane Anson (at Château Rauzan-Ségla vertical, 02 Apr 2019)
Part of Anson: Tasting every Château Rauzan-Ségla vintage from 1994 to 2018

Deep garnet-brick colored, the 2002 Rauzan-Ségla is intensely scented of dried mulberries, fig paste, crème de cassis and prunes, with hints of Chinese five spice, leather and dried roses. The medium-bodied palate sports fully mature dried berries and exotic spice notes with a chewy texture and nice refreshing finish. This is in its drinking window sweet-spot right now and should hold for a further 5-6 years.
The blend this year is 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, harvested between September 28 and October 10 at an average yield of 27 hectoliters per hectare. It was aged for 18 months in French oak, 53% new. The alcohol is 13%. LPB

The darker, smoky 2002 Rauzan-Ségla (58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc) is slightly foursquare, with the more focused, firm style of the vintage, yet nevertheless has good balance and elegance. Classic notes of dark fruits, compost, earth, and tobacco all make an appearance in the bouquet, and it shows the classic elegance and silky texture that’s the hallmark of this estate. Drink it over the coming decade.

Blackcurrant, toast, smoke and dense, supple tannins. Very layered and serious, extremely youthful but very impressive.
Richard Hemming MW - June 2010