2004 Rauzan Gassies

This one doesn’t shout at you but it is finely balanced and already quite silky. There’s a herbal and slightly reduced (struck match) character on the nose but this is less noticeable on the palate. (JH)

Low key nose but very well melded. Soft – almost – and velvety. Maybe slightly too much oak? But pretty well done and nicely seductive. This is the first wine in which I’ve been aware of the alcohol and a little bit of heat. (JR)

A dark plum/ruby color is followed by scents of plums, figs, earth, and dried herbs in this attractive, mid-weight 2004. Good depth, medium body, and a spicy, earthy character suggest it should be consumed over the next decade.