2006 - Rauzan-Segla, Margaux

A blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot, the 2006 Rauzan-Segla has a medium garnet color, with a touch of brick. It slowly emerges from the glass with evolved notes of tobacco leaf, leather sofa, and dried plums, leading to underlying sparkles of kirsch, dried lavender, bay leaves, and pencil shavings. The light to medium-bodied palate offers appealing freshness, with delicate savory flavors and a light chewiness to the texture, finishing with a compelling red berry lift. Looking good!

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.