Château Rauzan-Ségla 2005

97 pts, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent

A 2005 from Château Rauzan-Ségla, the same storied Deuxième Grand Cru Classé estate in Margaux as our 2010, owned by the Chanel group. The 2005 is a different wine entirely: 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, aged in 70% new oak at 14% ABV, from a vintage widely considered one of Bordeaux's finest in a generation.

Expect a woodland nose of sweet brambles and undergrowth over pure, fresh cassis, with a sensuous texture carrying taut, muscular red and black fruit, spiced sandalwood, red pepper, dark chocolate, and crushed roses. Neal Martin at Vinous scored it 91, Lisa Perrotti-Brown at Wine Independent scored it 97, and Jane Anson gave it 94. Now twenty years on, it is drinking beautifully but still has room to grow, with a window reaching to 2055. One of the most special bottles on our shelf.