2005 Rauzan Segla

Spiced sandalwood, red peppers and dark chocolate, old school in character compared to today's Rauzan Ségla, but this is lovely, with waves of crushed roses and plenty of Margaux finesse running through it, well balanced with subtle tannins exerting pressure, holding on for a mouthwatering finish. 39hl/h yield, harvest Septeber 21 to October 7. 70% new oak. John Kolasa director.

The 2005 Rauzan-Ségla is captivating right from the very first taste. Soaring aromatics and bright veins of minerality confer energy to this statuesque Margaux. The 2005 is still a very young wine. In fact, I would cellar it for a few years. I am blown away by its energy, vibrant and sheer character. Bright red-toned fruit, spice, rose petal, blood orange and crushed rocks literally soar out of the glass. The 2005 captures the richness of the year, but it remains a classically built, mid-weight wine of remarkable freshness and tension. Rauzan-Ségla might very well be the most under the radar Left Bank wine in 2005. Magnificent. (AG)

We moved back to classic territory for the final wine that I bought myself, the failsafe 2005 Rauzan-Ségla. Having reviewed this wine recently, I have little to add. The aromatics are more generous than other Left Bank 2005s at the moment, delivering plush black plummy fruit, cedar and mint, this bottle perhaps demonstrating a touch more gaminess. The palate is just about ready to drink, its almost creamy texture disguising the substance and backbone of this Margaux, and the silky texture is intact on the finish. The wine mellowed nicely over a couple of hours, developing a sensual roundness that neutered any guilt about broaching it young, at least for this vintage.