The 2017 Rauzan-Segla has a medium to deep garnet-purple color. It needs a lot of coaxing to reveal notes of crushed red and black currants, black raspberries, and fragrant soil, plus hints of candied violets and cumin seed. The elegant, medium-bodied palate has a great intensity of red berry and savory layers, framed by firm, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long. Rating: 95 Points; Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW

Composed of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot and sporting a deep garnet-purple color, the 2017 Rauzan-Segla (Rausan-Segla) has a profound nose of cassis, warm blackberries and black plums with touches of baking spices, violets, mocha and smoke plus a waft of garrigue. Medium to full-bodied with a great core of sustained, energetic black fruit, a frame of fine-grained tannins and a lively backbone, it finishes with great length. Rating: 94-96 Points; Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate

The 2017 Rauzan-Ségla is matured in 50% new oak with 14% vin de presse, which was apparently from the high quality Cabernet this year. It has a fascinating bouquet with pure blackberry, iris, crushed stone and a light estuarine influence that becomes stronger with aeration, just a faint touch of oyster shell developing in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannin, crisp acidity, very elegant and refined, possibly the most feminine Rauzan-Ségla in recent years with a silky smooth finish. It is not the instant showstopper like the 2015 – this is more understated and needs time for its quality to be fully appreciated. Tasted on three occasions. Rating: 92-94 Points; Neal Martin

This is tight and focused with a super precise palate of blackberries, blackcurrants and hints of flowers. Full body, linear tannins and a long finish. Rating: 94-95 Points; James Suckling