The 2009 Rubrum is all Merlot that sees a 24-day maceration period for added intensity and concentration. The wine is polished and fine with deep layers of dark cherry, crushed mineral and integrated spice. Those mineral notes are what give the wine its sense of lift and momentum. The wine offers fine textural richness with silky tannins that wrap smoothly over the palate. There's nothing not to like (except the high price).