Tempting peppery, meaty, spicy aromas give a lot of complexity and interest to this nicely mature, softly tannic wine from Ramey’s cellar. A full body supports dark cherries, dark plums and beefy flavors on a smooth, resolved texture. Drink now.

The 2009 Claret is a silky polished wine very much in the style of the year. Layers of fruit flow effortlessly from this attractive mid-weight red. Sweet berries flowers spices and licorice are some of the many nuances that flesh out on the finish. This is a more feminine gracious style than the 2008 but there is still quite a bit of heft. In 2009 the blend is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon 2% Petit Verdot 2% Syrah and 1% Merlot. Anticipated maturity2014-2024.-Antonio Galloni