Deep garnet colored, the 2009 Rauzan-Ségla bursts from the glass with bold, vivacious Black Forest cake, blackberry pie and warm blueberry scents plus nuances of cardamom, candied violets, smoked meats and Chinese five spice with a waft of dusty soil. Full-bodied, rich, plush and decadent, it completely coats the palate with densely packed preserved black berries layers, finishing very long and spicy. The blend this year is 58% Cabernet Sauvignon and 42% Merlot, harvested between September 22nd and October 11th, at an average yield of 41 hectoliters per hectare. It was aged for 18 months in French oak, 50% new. The alcohol is 14%, and the pH is 3.69.