2009 Chateau Rauzan-Segla

The 2009 Rauzan Segla was a watershed vintage for this pretty Chateau. Having been owned by Chanel since the 1990's, it was this vintage that cemented its position as a true 2nd Growth, although not quite a "Super Second" - a title given by the public as a wine that can be of first growth quality in a certain year.

Unlike some of their neighbours, when visiting this Chateau, there was very little pomp and ceremony, such as models in Jodhpurs or golf carts - Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou, I am looking at you. Rather, it had a restrained confidence, secure in the knowledge that it had created something truly special.

The 2009 vintage is a quintessential Margaux, but with a little extra oomph. It is perfectly balanced, complex, and pure. It is just starting its long journey to full maturity now. I remember adoring it out of the barrel and others’ notes support this view. There is no crime in opening now, I would just decant for 3 or 4 hours before drinking. With a label by Karl Lagerfeld, this bottle really is something truly special.

2010 Chateau Tour St Bonnet, Medoc, Magnums

This is a Cru Bourgeois that I have grown up with. Although it could perhaps be seen as the annoying younger brother of Chateau Chasse Spleen or Poujeaux, it is a very traditional claret. Extraordinary value, it never troubled the scorers in terms of a global brand, but is well known and always impeccably made. In my opinion it is overachieving and undervalued. This vintage is a wonderful year and is offered here in Magnum format.

2009 Chateau Cos Labory 5eme Cru Classe, Saint-Estephe

When going around the 2009 En Primeur tastings we repeatedly heard, “Have you tasted Chateau Cos Labory? It is something very special”. I was with a Master of Wine, who thought it was one of the best wines he had tasted all week.

This is an extraordinary wine to either put in your cellar or drink now - what an opportunity! It can be drunk anytime from 2026-2040.

2000 La Chenade, Lalande de Pomerol, Magnums

 I look back on my old scruffy En Primeur notes and I see I had scrawled “Very toasty, striking balance, deep and dark fruit, amazing, gun flint smoke, not overly concentrated, medium bodied and will last. Put down for family – amazing!”

I hope I am right, and tell me if I am wrong, but I think you should drink this over the next couple of years.

Auction Details

This is a live online auction with an auctioneer. The auction will take place on Thursday 29 October (starting at 10.30am GMT) at Dreweatts Newbury, but please note all wine and spirits are stored off-site at LCB Eton Park. Bidding is available online, by telephone, by commission bids or in person at Dreweatts. Please contact Dreweatts to register all commission bids or telephone bids by 12 noon GMT the day before the sale.

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