Numerus Clausus 2009

"I tasted a barrel sample of the 2009 Numerus Clausus. It comes from a 115-hectare parcel, “El Perdiguero,” which is apparently inhabited by partridges. It is raised and matured in French barriques from three coopers: Seguin Moreau, Radoux and Sylvain. This had been in new oak for three years and due to be bottled a few weeks after my tasting. It offers a lush, creamy, well-defined bouquet of ripe red berry fruit laced with violets, vanilla, blueberry jam and wild strawberry – all very seductive thanks as much to the oak regime as the fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with mocha-tinged black fruit on the entry. It is very well-balanced, soft on the entry, but certainly displaying good structure. This is an elegant, refined wine with very fine tannins towards the finish imparting focus and poise. It has handled the oak extremely well and should evolve into a sophisticated Cigales red. Drink 2015-2022".