The Mark Ryan 2009 Dead Horse blends with its Cabernet Sauvignon 15% Cabernet Franc 11% Malbec 8% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot enlisting four-year-old vines in as yet little-known but superbly-situated Obelisco Vineyard to supplement fruit from its tongue-in-cheek namesake (Ciel du Cheval) and Klipsun. Cassis cedar and dark tobacco inform the nose as well as a palpably dense subtly chewy and vivaciously juicy palate. A briny mineral and at the same time sweetly savory suggestion of anchovy paste adds irresistibly saliva-inducing savor to the long finish of this impeccably balanced bottling that ought to be worth following for at least ten or a dozen years.

This Bordeaux-style blend is Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated showing vivid red fruits with drying somewhat leafy tannins. It has an earthy foundation and impressive length it just needs more bottle age to fully integrate its flavors. - P.G.

Firm in texture with fine tannins around a plush core of cherry and guava showing a grenadine hint as the finish sails on nicely. This has a refreshing quality. Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc Malbec Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2016. 850 cases made. -HS