Tasting Notes
Robert Parker 90
Deep garnet-brick colored, the 2002 Rauzan-Segla is intensely scented of dried mulberries, fig paste, creme de cassis and prunes, with hints of Chinese five spice, leather and dried roses. The medium-bodied palate sports fully mature dried berries and exotic spice notes with a chewy texture and nice refreshing finish. This is in its drinking window sweet-spot right now and should hold for a further 5-6 years. The blend this year is 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, harvested between September 28 and October 10 at an average yield of 27 hectoliters per hectare. It was aged for 18 months in French oak, 53% new. The alcohol is 13%.
Anticipated maturity: 2020-2026
JancisRobinson.com 16.0
Dark crimson. Introvert but reasonably concentrated. Really rather solid for a 2002 with some tannin still in evidence. Surprisingly youthful. Quite persistent.
Anticipated maturity: 2010-2018
Vinous 88+
Deep red-ruby. Raspberry, leather, tobacco and game on the slightly dusty nose. Plump in the middle, with berry and espresso notes. This doesn’t have quite the definition or lift of the 2004, and there’s also an edge of acidity today that’s clashing with the wine’s dusty tannins. In a very dry, awkward stage. Did I overrate this from the barrel, or is this simply shocked from the bottling?
