A cool summer and a beautiful autumn resulted in the grapes being left on the vines for a long time to fully ripen, with picking commencing in October. Packed full of Médoc character, this has cedar, menthol, leather and cigar box notes - a brilliant lesson in classic Bordeaux. It's extremely approachable and drinkable, and is showing some walnut character already, softened around the edges with lovely smoky notes and gourmet touches, and a mouthwatering, minty sign off with juicy lift on the finish. It should stay on this plateau for a long while yet. Harvest ran from 2 to 21 October with a high yield of 47hl/ha. 60% new oak.

With a shifting in color to show its maturity, the wine opens with tobacco, cedar, herbs, Christmas spice and forest notes to accompany the red fruits. Medium/full bodied, with a classic leaning, the tannins are just starting to soften. The fruit is a bit strict on the palate at this moment. In time, perhaps, 5-8 years, the wine should develop softer textures, along with more aromatic complexity. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2008&wine=Chateau%20Rauzan-Segla

The 2008 Rauzan-Ségla is a solid vintage and is still relatively youthful, yet it’s certainly drinking nicely. A blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot, it has a cooler, black-fruited, menthol, and tobacco-driven bouquet as well as medium to full body, still present tannins, considerable elegance, and outstanding length. Overall it’s a pretty, well-balanced 2008 that’s going to continue evolving for another 15-20 years.

Good dark bright red. Deep brooding aromas of blueberry mulberry tobacco mint and pepper. Deep and sweet with ripe mulberry and raspberry fruit nicely supported by a firm mineral underpinning. At once smooth and sappy offering a captivating balance of sweetness and ripe acidity. Finishes strong and vibrant with firm tannins supported by the wine's mid-palate fruit.

A touch soft but persistent with pretty floral mulled plum and tobacco notes that glide over light rounded tannins. The pure finish lets the fruit hang elegantly. This wins on balance rather than depth. Drink now through 2014. -JM