The 2009 Alan's Cabernets is a Bordeaux blend of 5 grapes, consisting mainly of Cabernet Sauvignon with about 10% each of Merlot and Cabernet Franc plus a little Malbec and Petit Verdot. Only made from the "free-run' juice of selected fruit, it was aged in 100% new French hogsheads for 22 months. Deep garnet-purple in color, it gives expressive notes of blackberry preserves and kirsch over cloves, anise, chocolate and eucalypt. The full bodied palate is concentrated with mouth-filling berry and spice flavors supported by medium to firm chewy tannins and refreshing acid, finishing with lingering notes of aniseed. Approachable now, it is still very primary and should settle into some complex savory notes in another year or two, drinking to 2020+. Note that as in 2008, no Duck Muck was produced in 2009.Importer: Rathbone Wine Imports, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 253-8332; www.fsfw.com.au