Chateau Rauzan-Ségla 2000

Parker: This seems quite fleshy on the nose, just a touch of reduction at first although it blows away. Cranberry, strawberry, a touch of fig, then more secondary aromas coming through: saddle leather and Provencal herbs. The palate is medium-bodied, quite opulent and generous, silky smooth tannins but there is also real backbone to this wine. As always, this wine is masculine and broody at birth but now is coming into its own and lightening up. Red-berried fruits, a touch of pepper, orange zest, tightly coiled and pointed towards the finish. Great weight and grip on the finish. Superb. 95/100

Galloni: The 2000 Rauzan-Ségla was the only vintage that I procured myself out in the market because of many fond memories. I am so glad I did fill in the gap because I feel it is a rather overlooked gem. It has a gorgeous bouquet, a little backward at first but then opening with black cherries, blueberry jam and hints of Provençal herbs, though none of the saddle leather I noticed back in 2010. The palate is medium-bodied with smooth tannins, nigh perfect acidity and a rich, quite grippy finish. The estate prefers the 2001 but I find this possesses more ambition. Drinking Window: 2019 - 2040. 94/100