On the eve of the opening of the bi-annual wine trade fair "Vinexpo" in Hong Kong, Farr Vintners hosted a spectacular Rauzan Segla dinner in the stunning private dining room of the Grand Hyatt hotel, overlooking the bustling harbour. We served ten vintages starting with the 2010 and finishing with the 1986.
Farr Vintners' Rauzan Segla Dinner - The Menu
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Behind the considerably higher-priced Chateaux Margaux and Palmer, this second growth property consistently makes the finest wine of the Margaux appellation and frequently performs extremely well in the annual Southwold blind wine tasting. The 60 hectare Chateaux was purchased in 1994 by the family that owns Chanel and no expense has been spared in the last 20 years to renovate and restore the buildings, wine-making facilities and vineyards. The result of all this hard work - led by Scotsman John Kolasa - has been a great improvement in the quality of the wines, culminating in the outstanding 2009 and 2010 vintages. In order to achieve such high standards, around 50% of production is annually demoted to the excellent second label - Segla. The 60 hectare vineyard is planted with 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37.5% Merlot, 1.5% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc.
The table is set for dinner in the spectacular private dining room of the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
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2010 - This brooding wine has a deep colour and is firm and structured. Cassis-infused Cabernet Sauvignon dominates the palate and the sweetness of the fruit is matched by firm tannins. This classic Bordeaux may still need a decade before it reveals itself in all its glory. Clearly a great wine.
RP 95+, SB 17.5
Rauzan Segla 2009 with the Karl Lagerfeld label
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2009 - This vintage marked the 350th anniversary of the Chateau and features a special one-off label designed by Chanel's creative director, Karl Lagerfeld. This wine is very different in style from the firm 2010. There is great opulence and richness here. Whilst it is a Bordeaux of classic structure, there is plummy richness with a decadence rarely found at this property. Lots of sweet tannins at the finish. Polished and creamy without being at all tarty. With a few hours in the decanter it wouldn't be a complete crime to drink this tonight.
RP 93+, SB 17+
2005 - This has a deeper colour than the 2009. Quite rich on the nose and initially on the palate but then there is a firm, tannic finish. Impressive density of black fruit with hints of liquorish and vanilla. Dense and structured, serious stuff and needs at least 3 or 4 years until it's ready to drink.
RP 94+, SB 17
Grand Hyatt staff prepare to pour another vintage of Rauzan Segla
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2004 - Still a medium-deep colour. Lovely spicy nose with cigar box notes. This is reaching its peak. Polished, creamy and smooth with ripe Cabernet fruit and a hint of smoke. Open-knit yet it has good grip and control. This is not a great vintage but an impressive and attractive wine.
RP 89, SB 16
2001 - Now a mature colour. A sweet, quite opulent, inviting bouquet. Very chocolatey on the palate with a cream texture. Soft, charming, sweet and silky. Really plush and showing very well. Like many 2001's this is at a perfect stage of development. Ideal to drink now. Sexy for Rauzan Segla.
RP 90, SB 16.5
2000 - Still quite youthful-looking. A classic cigar box nose. This has smooth, cool, classy Medocaine fruit, lead pencil notes and a slightly firm edge. Just about ready to drink but there is still good structure and backbone to balance the impressively dense fruit. Lean rather than opulent but give it a few more years to blossom.
RP 90+, SB 17
1996 - A mature colour with a little brown fade at the rim. This has a fabulous nose with hints of vanilla, wood-smoke, saddle leather and exotic spices. On the palate the fruit is sweet and mature yet has focus and structure. Quite opulent for the vintage and very harmonious. Classic claret that, at nearly 20 years old is now approaching perfect maturity. Very fine and the star of the tasting for me. All the more impressive as this wine was hard to love in its youth.
RP 88, SB 17.5
An impressive array of vintages of Rauzan Segla
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1990 - A mature mahogany colour. Spicy nose. Fully developed, there is good, mature, cherry sweetness here with a touch of raisins and milk chocolate. Decadently ripe with a touch of brown sugar. Very drinkable with melted, ripe tannins. Easy and charming.
RP 94, SB 16.5
1989 - This has a similar colour to the 1990 but it is a little bigger on the palate with a bit more intensity. Not quite as sweet a bit more depth. Good, chewy fruit. A touch more substance than the more hedonistic 1990.
RP 90, SB 17
1986 - A fairly mature colour. Sweet in the mouth with a touch of raisins and forest floor flavours. Hints of liquorice and coffee. Not as intense as it once was, this has now matured into a fine mature Bordeaux that is probably slightly pas its best. Impressive for the vintage but time to drink up.
RP 96, SB 17
Rauzan Segla Corks and Capsules
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