The 2012 Barrel #9,

Is rock star Bordeaux blend that’s made from 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot and Malbec. It was aged 36 months in 65% new French oak. Notes of cassis, tobacco leaf, lead pencil shavings and black currants all emerge from this rich, full-bodied and concentrated effort that has a big, layered texture, no hard edges and impeccable balance. It’s slightly more approachable than the straight Cabernet, yet should nevertheless evolve for just as long.