2006 Wine between $75 and $100

Not surprisingly, this wine is closed, masculine, but super-rich, with a denser, more complete and full-bodied style than its sibling, Langoa Barton. Some toasty vanillin is apparent in the black currant aromas intermixed with tobacco leaf, cedar, and spice box. The wine is full-bodied and has a boatload of tannin, not unusual for this estate, as well as an impressively pure, long finish. Everything is here, but this wine, made with uncompromising vision, is meant to be cellared for an exceptionally long period of time. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2035. 91+

Among the great Rauzan Seglas of the past 30 years, the 2006 Château Rauzan Segla is a worthy challenger to the estate’s brilliant 2005. However, while the 2005 has barely begun to shed its massive tannins, the ultrarefined 2006 is approaching a graceful maturity. A wine of enormous depth and complexity, with the perfumed, ethereal bouquet that only the greatest châteaux of Margaux are capable of producing, the 2006 Rauzan Segla is a joy to drink now, but promises an additional 10 to 12 years of marvelous evolution.
--Ben Giliberti, CW (June 2012)