2009 Chateau Rauzan-Segla, Margaux, Magnum (1.5L)

LP98 A blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon and 42% Merlot, the 2009 Rauzan-Segla is deep garnet-colored, with a touch of brick. It needs a lot of swirling and coaxing to bring forward its alluring perfume of kirsch, warm cassis, candied violets, and sassafras, leading to underlying hints of licorice and charcoal. The medium-bodied palate is an exercise in grace and seamlessness, with incredibly plush tannins and well-knit freshness supporting the fragrant fruit, finishing long and perfumed. This is a head-turner.

JA97 Enticing brambled fruit on the nose, we are in top tier 2009 here, delicious creamy fruit, well placed and slowly uncurling, cocoa bean, cappuccino, graphite, right up there in terms of what you want from classified Margaux in these great vintages - ready to drink, John Kolasa director. 50% new oak for ageing, 41hl/h yield. This vintage had a label designed by Karl Largerfeld.