The 2005 Rauzan-Ségla was the winning bottle in the September Installment of Pick My Next Bottle.
The history of Château Rauzan-Ségla dates back to 1661 when Pierre de Rauzan acquired the estate. Rauzan-Ségla grew in reputation and produced some of the most highly rated wines in Bordeaux. They delighted many well-known dignitaries, most notably Thomas Jefferson who came across this wine during his visit to Bordeaux in 1787, subsequently placing an order for several cases in 1790. Some decades later, the historic 1855 Bordeaux Classification ranked Château Rauzan-Ségla as a 2nd Growth. Today, the property is owned by the Wertheimer family of the fashion house Chanel and managed by Nicolas Audebert.
Decanted at cellar temperature for 5 hours. Crimson in color. 13.5% ABV. Classic nose of black fruits, cigar box, graphite and leather. Medium to full bodied with tremendous acidity. Powerful and concentrated with structure in spades. Copious dark fruits. Truffles, currants, crème de cassis and earth on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish with silky tannins. Tremendous wine from an appellation that truly excelled in 2005. Just entering what should be a long drinking window. This will drink well for at least another decade if not longer.
My rating: 95 points.
The 2016 Rauzan-Ségla is worth seeking out. Great wine, fairly priced and an exceptional vintage.