Sensational 2009, indisputably great vintage of venerable cab-dominated (70%) Bordeaux blend. Indulgently plush, with dark fruit that easily absorbs & integrates the oak influence (65% new) to produce an impressively complex, densely structured & promising masterpiece. 4.5*

The 2009 Rubicon is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot and is raised in 80% new French oak. It has a clear, smoke and green bell pepper-tinged bouquet – broody and rather introspective at the moment. The palate is soft and supple in the mouth with light dry tannins and dusky black mocha-tinged fruit. It remains fresh in the mouth but it seems to miss the complexity of other vintages toward the finish. Drink now-2018. 88 points