Chateau Rauzan-Segla 2001

A huge, powerful, dense wine, which layers pure black fruits over dusty tannins. This is an impressive wine, proof of Rauzan-Ségla's improvements since Chanel took over ownership. It is packed with fruits, like an intense jelly, but also has dryness, acidity and good aging potential.

Deep garnet-brick colored, the 2001 Rauzan-Ségla rolls out of the glass with open, expressive, mature notes of potpourri, star anise, incense and cigar box with a pretty core of kirsch, redcurrant jelly and dried figs. The light to medium-bodied palate delivers mature spice and dried berry layers with a light grip of chewy tannins and bags of freshness, finishing with a peppery kick. The blend this year is 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, harvested between September 28 and October 11 at an average yield of 46 hectoliters per hectare. It was aged for 18 months in French oak, 50% new. The alcohol is 12.5%.

Beautiful aromas of spices, berries and plums follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate, with very fine tannins and a pretty, delicious finish. All in finesse.