Colgin Cellars

When I first heard about the wine, prior to opening a sample bottle, the concern at the back of my mind was that it was going to be another heavily-manipulated, over-extracted, over-oaked Napa Valley Cabernet, utterly lacking in elegance and finesse. Well, nothing could be further from the truth; the bouquet displays intense aromas of cassis, plum and black cherry, with hints of graphite and crushed rocks.  On the palate the richness fills the mouth, with liquorice notes combining with the dark, berry fruit flavours.  The tannins are very present but are exceptionally well-managed, so no harshness or austerity intrudes.  The finish is extraordinary, with massive length but one is left with an overriding sense of grace and elegance rather than sheer power. In short, this is a wine of sublime sophistication which is highly reflective of its terroir, and is more than a match for top-level Classified Growths of Bordeaux in quality terms.  Can be drunk from 2015 but capable of a further 25 years ageing.

The 2008 IX Estate wine is 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot. After fermentation the wine spent 21 months in new French oak barrels before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Fabulous intensity and energy in this young red with wet earth, violets, black currants, black olives, sweet tobacco and blackberries. So complex. Full-bodied with incredible depth and richness. Give it four or five years to come together. Out November 2015.
James Suckling - 29/07/15

Another perfect wine from Ann Colgin and her winemaking team is the 2013 IX Proprietary Red Estate, a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot. An absolutely compelling wine, with notes of lead pencil shavings, spring flowers, blueberry, blackberry and cassis, it has the full smorgasbord of black and blue fruits, wonderfully integrated, toasty oak, acidity and tannin, a floral note that is unmistakable, and great richness, density and purity. It is an utterly exceptional wine and a tribute to not only a great vineyard, but impeccable winemaking and upbringing. It should drink well for 30+ years as well.
The Wine Advocat 

The 2010 IX Estate Syrah is one of the most compelling Syrahs ever made in California. It ranks alongside some of the perfect Syrahs from Sine Qua Non in Santa Ynez and the Santa Rita Hills. Tasting like liquified steak au poive with blackberry and blueberry sauce, this amazing wine reveals staggering aromas of flowers, bouquet garni, melted asphalt, licorice, pepper and meaty notes. It should drink well for 15+ years assuming you have that much patience.
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - Wine Advocate - eRobertParker.com - Oct 2013

The 2009 Syrah IX Estate has developed beautifully over the last year. A blast of heady aromas and flavors burst from the glass in a wine endowed with serious depth. The 2009 stands out for its dazzling inner perfume and balance. Sweet spices, licorice and tobacco all add complexity, while firm mountain tannins frame the saline, focused finish. Although gorgeous today, the 2009 should continue to provide immense pleasure for at least another decade.

Winemaker Allison Tauziet describes 2010 as a year that started later than normal because of a cold March and early April. Conditions returned to normal in June, when temperatures increased. There were no heat spikes during the summer, but a period of heat in September allowed the fruit to catch up. The harvest took place between mid to late October. I also revisited the 2011s, which are now preliminary blends. Readers who want to learn more about Colgin might want to take a look at my video interview with Allison Tauziet filmed during the 2012 harvest. This is a striking set of wines from Ann Colgin, her husband Joe Wender, and the entire Colgin team
Antonio Galloni -Wine Advocate #204 Dec 2012 

The 2009 IX Estate Syrah is simply impeccable. It possesses striking finesse in its aromatics and graceful layers of dark black fruit. This is one of the most unique Syrahs being made in California today. Layers of elegant fruit flow seamlessly to the long, textured finish. The 2009 is remarkable from the very first taste. It shows fabulous aromatic intensity and lift throughout. I loved it.
Antonio Galloni - Wine Advocate #198 - Dec 2011 

Interesting French-like Syrahs are also made from the estate's steep hillside vineyards. The 2008 IX Syrah Estate is performing even better than it did last year from barrel. Juicy bacon fat, roasted meat, grilled herb and smoky notes are classic northern Rhone Syrah characteristics. A floral component suggests some Viognier could be co-fermented, but this is 100% Syrah. The wood is well-concealed in this full-bodied, delicious wine. It is capable of a decade or more of cellaring.
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

Smelling this takes my breath away. Cloves, floras, metal shavings, blackberries and smoked meat. Mandarin zest, too. Full body with a perfect balance of ultra-fine tannins and great complexity. Goes on for minutes. Sets a new standard of syrah for California. Don't wait to drink this.
James Suckling - 03/11/18