2006 Rauzan-Segla (Margaux)

Deep garnet in color with a touch of brick, the 2006 Rauzan-Ségla gives up dusty earth, sandalwood, cigar and Indian spices scents with a core of mincemeat pie, prunes and dried mulberries plus a waft of dried roses. Medium-bodied, firm and chewy, it has bags of freshness supporting the muscular core of evolved, spicy fruit, finishing minerally.

The blend this year is 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, harvested between September 21st and October 7th, at an average yield of 52 hectoliters per hectare. It was aged for 18 months in French oak, 50% new. The alcohol is 13%. 92 points