Deep garnet-brick colored, the 2003 Rauzan-Ségla reveals notes of espresso, cigar box, sandalwood and leather over a core of raisin cake, prunes and potpourri. Medium to full-bodied, the palate possesses a lot of mature fruit with a chewy frame and compelling herbal sparks that come through on the long finish. The blend this year is 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, harvested between September 4th and 22nd at an average yield of 30 hectoliters per hectare. It was aged for 18 months in French oak, 55% new. The alcohol is 12.5%.