Very beautiful aromas of crushed berry, flowers, currant and Indian spices follow through to a full body, with ultrafine tannins and a long, long finish. Extremely polished and beautiful, with a seamless texture. Best after 2014.

Deep garnet in color, the 2005 Rauzan-Ségla sings of plum preserves, redcurrant jelly, raspberry pie, kirsch and blackcurrant cordial with nuances of dried lavender, rose hip tea, hoisin and incense. The medium to full-bodied palate is densely packed with rich, expansive black fruits with loads of incense and exotic spice sparks, finishing long and layered. Still quite youthful, I anticipate a long life ahead for this perfumed beauty! The blend this year is 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, harvested between September 28 and October 28 at an average yield of 39 hectoliters per hectare. It was aged for 18 months in French oak, 70% new. The alcohol is 13.5%.

One of the most beautiful Rauzan-Seglas made in decades, this blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest primarily Merlot and tiny dollops of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot exhibits a gorgeous perfume of spring flowers, subtle mint, black cherries, black currants, licorice, and a hint of new oak. It offers medium to full body, sweet tannins, and a layered mouthfeel that builds incrementally to a sensational finish. Although this beauty is performing well, it remains a decade away from its plateau of maturity. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2030+.

I still cannot quite fathom this 2005 out. A deep garnet hue. A stunning, exotic nose with immense clarity and superb delineation, something almost Pauillac about it, although with a touch of dark chocolate underneath. The palate is very tight with fine acidity: notes of cedar, blackberry and a touch of black truffle. However, it comes across as rather linear, especially compared to the 2000, which is why I am parsimonious with my score. It might prove me completely wrong…I hope so. Drink 2015-2030. Tasted September 2007.

Very dark crimson. Sweet and toasty nose with some energy and very lush palate cover. Ripe tannins. Sufficient acidity. Needs time but should make very fine old bones. Just slightly lacking on the finish. (JR)