2002 Rauzan Ségla

91 POINTS

Neal Martin - Wine Advocate

Tasted blind at Farr’s 2002 Bordeaux tasting. This has a very attractive nose with blackberry, plum, a touch of graphite and violets. Very fine definition. The palate is full-bodied with firm, almost sinewy tannins, harmonious and smooth in texture leading to a slightly more masculine, austere finish that previously encountered. Stylish, a wine with breeding. Tasted October 2009.

90 POINTS

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

53% of the crop made it into this blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. An outstanding wine with a dark ruby/purple color and more power, richness, and concentration than its younger sibling, the 2002 reveals outstanding potential, exhibiting plenty of concentrated black currant fruit with some vanilla, herbs, and licorice. It has about the same level of tannin as the 2003, but seems to have sweeter fruit and more mid-palate and length. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2022

90 POINTS

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW - Wine Advocate

Deep garnet-brick colored, the 2002 Rauzan-Ségla is intensely scented of dried mulberries, fig paste, crème de cassis and prunes, with hints of Chinese five spice, leather and dried roses. The medium-bodied palate sports fully mature dried berries and exotic spice notes with a chewy texture and nice refreshing finish. This is in its drinking window sweet-spot right now and should hold for a further 5-6 years. The blend this year is 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, harvested between September 28 and October 10 at an average yield of 27 hectoliters per hectare. It was aged for 18 months in French oak, 53% new. The alcohol is 13%. Drink 2020-2026.

90 POINTS

Jeb Dunnuck

The darker, smoky 2002 Rauzan-Ségla (58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc) is slightly foursquare, with the more focused, firm style of the vintage, yet nevertheless has good balance and elegance. Classic notes of dark fruits, compost, earth, and tobacco all make an appearance in the bouquet, and it shows the classic elegance and silky texture that’s the hallmark of this estate. Drink it over the coming decade. Maturity 2019-2029.

James Suckling - Wine Spectator

Firm wine with blackberry and dark tobacco character. Medium- to full-bodied, with medium tannins and a medium finish. Very tight and reserved. Best after 2008. 7,500 cases made.

Jancis Robinson MW

Paler than most. Sweet and floral at first but a bit brutal on the end. Drink 2011-19. 16/20

Jacques Dupont - Le Point

Pêche de vigne, rose, notes d'épices, bouche très souple, petits tanins serrés et fins, bcp de fruit.Un style de Margaux pur et précis qui nous plait bien. A ce stade, on a une petite préférence pour le 2001, qui était une oeuvre d'art à Rauzan 16/20