The blend for the 2009 is mostly Merlot, with some Cabernet Franc, but hit over 14.5% natural alcohol. This is a big, chewy wine made under the guidance of Hubert de Bouard. Dense ruby/purple, with notes of blackberry and cassis as well as some hints of barbecue smoke, underbrush and toasty oak, this thick, dense and unctuously textured, low-acid wine is a sleeper of the vintage and the best Clos des Jacobins since the famous 1982. Drink it over the next 20-25 years.

Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #199, Feb 2012)

Served blind at the Southwold 2009 tasting. This has a well-defined bouquet of blackberry, boysenberry and crushed stone that demonstrates fine lift. The palate is medium-bodied with dusty black fruit, a soft texture and a black peppery finish. It just seems more winemaking than wine. Tasted January 2013.

– eRobertParker.com, July 2013