On the same qualitative level as this estate’s brilliant 2005, but with slightly less sucrosite, this blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot, exhibits a 1986-like personality ,a very successful vintage at Rauzan Segla. Its deep ruby/purple hue is accompanied by sweet aromas of bay leaf, black currants, licorice, truffles, and a touch of toast, dazzling fruit, and plenty of ripe, but not astringent tannin. This is a medium to full-bodied, classic, pure, surprisingly approachable Rauzan Segla that will be at its finest between 2012-2025+.

Very pure fruit in this wine with flowers and red fruits such as raspberries on the nose and palate. It’s full-bodied with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Attractive 2006 for drinking now or later.

The 2006 Rauzan-Ségla actually showed a touch more maturation on the rim compared to the 2004! This bottle was consistent with several encounters in the past, including my ten-year on retrospectives. Harvested from September 21 to October 7, it has an open and expressive bouquet with blackberry, cedar and just a touch of graphite. The palate is medium-bodied with moderate depth, quite straight-laced in style with firm, slightly dry tannin but backed up by sufficient black fruit laced with black pepper and clove. Where this particular vintage is let down is just on the finish. It scarpers out of the exit too hastily whereas the 2004 displayed more bite and energy. Tasted at the Rauzan-Ségla vertical at the château.