1993 Château Rauzan-Ségla, Margaux, Bordeaux

This is the last vintage for this property where Rauzan is spelled with an "s" as opposed to a "z". The opaque ruby/purple-colored 1993 is undoubtedly a vin de garde. However, it is also frightfully tannic, austere, and lean, raising some doubt as to whether it will ever achieve total harmony. Copious quantities of sweet cassis fruit do eventually emerge in the aromatics. Fruit and extract can be detected in the attack, but the wine's personality quickly narrows out with its formidable tannin lashing the back of the palate. As always, the balance between fruit and tannin, especially critical with respect to this vintage, may not favor a graceful evolution. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2015. -Robert Parker, Wine Advocate