Right up there with the best of the Fronsacs the 2009 Haut-Carles is a blend of 90% Merlot and the rest split between Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Boasting Dr. Alain Raynaud as the oenologist/consultant an abundance of crushed rock blueberry graphite and chalky notes are present in this dense purple wine which is full-bodied rich and clearly an over-achiever in this vintage or any other. Drink it over the next 10-15+ years.