Made from classic Bordeaux varieties with Syrah, it's dry, rich in tannins and complex, with flavors of blackberry, fresh herb and oak. But it's quite soft, with extraordinarily high alcohol that gives it a Cognac-like burn.

"Chalk Hill's 2009 Estate Red is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 49%,, Malbec 21%,  Merlot 17%  with dollops of Petit Verdot 8% and Syrah 4%. Firm tannins support plums, dark cherries, mocha, spices and licorice in this full-bodied, intense wine. I get the sense that with a lighter hand this might have been a materially more complex wine, which is to say more in line with the rest of the estate's wines.  Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021. RP"