TN: Rauzan Segla 1986 and Pontet Canet 1996

The Rauzan is beautiful; half an hour in a decanter was on the low side; by the end of the first hour was complex with beautifully precise, delineated flavors. Fully resolved, but no rush 96 points

The Pontet was pleasant, but a little grapey; had a much better bottle a few months ago; this just seemed relatively simple. Hamburger wine. 87 points

thanks for the note, Mark. Believe it or not, I still own four of the 86 RS. Back when the 86s were being released, I belonged to this really geeky wine tasting group (all men except for my friend annie (you met her) and me) and we tasted pretty extensively through the classed growths over a 6-8 week period. This wine stood out to me (well, so did the margaux and mouton but they were priced very differently) and so I bought a half case. It’s been about 5 years since I’ve had one - might have to remedy that. If I can bear to drink something other than burgundy, that is!

Mark,

Rauzan Segla is the only wine I bought as part of a local futures program for the 09 vintage. I understand the label is “interesting”. Looks like lots of cellar time is forthcoming…

Thanks for the notes.

Cheers,
Doug

I have been reluctant to open my 2 bottles Of Rausan Segla but it sounds like it is time to break out the decanter sometime this year.

Pontet-Canet 1996 : a big disappointment in our recent 1996 Bordeaux GC horizontale (84/100) - short, green, bitter.

Rauzan-Ségla 1986 is a must.