Deep garnet in color, the 2005 Rauzan-Ségla sings of plum preserves, redcurrant jelly, raspberry pie, kirsch and blackcurrant cordial with nuances of dried lavender, rose hip tea, hoisin and incense. The medium to full-bodied palate is densely packed with rich, expansive black fruits with loads of incense and exotic spice sparks, finishing long and layered. Still quite youthful, I anticipate a long life ahead for this perfumed beauty! The blend this year is 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, harvested between September 28 and October 28 at an average yield of 39 hectoliters per hectare. It was aged for 18 months in French oak, 70% new. The alcohol is 13.5%.