On the same qualitative level as this estates 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+.93 points from Robert Parker, The Wine AdvocateWinery Notes:We experienced a rainy winter with cold temperatures. February was even colder with important rainfalls. Spring started under a humid month of March while April, May and June were very dry months. The merlot bud burst appeared beginning of April and mid-April for Cabernet Sauvignon. The first flowering started on May 25th and developed throughout in good conditions. Summer was hot and dry : the drought we have known for 3 years persisted and the deficit measured increased by 30 %. The veraison was observed mid July and its evolution was quite slow in August, which was cool and rainy. The first 2 weeks of September were hot and helped the grapes to mature, but the last 2 weeks were rainy and disrupted the berries maturity.
