2020 Chateau Rauzan-Gassies 2eme Cru Classe, Margaux

Complex aromas of blackcurrant, black truffle, walnut, bark and earth follow through to a full body with dense, refined tannins that are layered and chewy, yet silky. Very long finish. Best since 2015?

One of the more exotic wines in the appellation, the 2020 Château Rauzan-Gassies offers a spicy, perfumed, red and blue-fruited style and carries notes of camphor, ginger, and spicy oak. Medium to full-bodied and nicely textured on the palate, it has good mid-palate density, ripe tannins, and solid balance. This is another beautiful Margaux with lots of character and a solid 20 years of prime drinking ahead of it.

With a beautiful, deep hue, the wine pops with its floral, dark pit fruit, espresso, smoke, licorice and spice perfume. On the palate the wine is rich, full and with a solid depth of flavor, finishing with layers of concentrated, silky, lusciously textured black, red and blue fruits. Clearly, this is a big step up from pervious vintages. From what I've tasted, you have to go back to 1928 to taste a wine from Rauzan Gassies this good. 91-93

With a deep purple-black color, the 2020 Rauzan-Gassies comes galloping out of the glass with powerful notes of warm cassis, stewed blackberries and Morello cherries, plus wafts of tar, raspberry leaves and sautéed herbs with a touch of black truffles. The medium-bodied palate is soft and juicy, featuring plenty of black fruit flavors and just enough freshness, finishing with a peppery kick.

Full bottle 1, 344 g. Cask sample. 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 35-year-old vines. 50% new oak. Very dark crimson with purplish rim. Dark-fruited aroma, full of lively cassis and a slight char rather than spice from the oak. Just a touch cedary. Powerful, upright, direct and pure in its Cabernet character, the Merlot just a support. Firm, fine texture, the oak is quite evident but the fruit stands up to it, suggesting a promising future. Fresh, cedary aftertaste and good length. Really fine tannins. (JH)