Professional Reviews
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
98
Lastly, the 2005 Proprietary Red IX Estate, from one of the most strikingly beautiful vineyards in all of Napa, high on Pritchard Hill overlooking Lake Hennessey, is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Inky purple with a provocative and profound bouquet of graphite, white flowers, cassis and blackberry as well as hints of coffee and chocolate, this full-bodied classic has perfect balance, undeniable purity and a long finish. Drink it now and over the next 20 years. (RP) 98+
(06/2015)
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Wine Enthusiast
97
This Bordeaux blend is similar to Colgin’s Cariad bottling, but the grapes are from the winery’s estate vineyard, high up on Pritchard Hill, ranging in elevation from 1,100–1,300 feet. A distinct note of violets and Provençal herbs erupts from the glass, supported by fruiter ones of cherries, red and black currants, dark chocolate, caramelized oak and cedar. What is so masterful about the wine is its complex structure. The tannins are fine as can be, offering just the right quality of briskness, and balanced with vital acidity. Tasted alongside Colgin’s other 2005 wines, the IX Estate surpasses them all in sheer power and depth. *Cellar Selection*
(06/2008)
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Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
95
Good medium ruby-red. The most reticent of these 2005s but with lovely purity and subtlety to its aromas of black plum, sage oil, chocolate liqueur, licorice and smoked meat. Lush, pure and sweet, with lovely spicy lift to the complex flavors of plum, minerals and dried herbs. A wonderfully seamless wine that finishes with youthful medicinal reserve and building but thoroughly ripe tannins. A Medoc-like blend of 65% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot, 10% cab franc and 5% petit verdot. (ST) 95+
(05/2008)
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Vinous
95
The 2005 IX Estate comes across as a bit clenched and tightly wound. Still, two recent tastings both suggest it doesn't quite have the depth, intensity and potential as the best wines in this flight. Ultimately, the 2005 IX Estate is a wine of two very beautiful dimensions, but not three. Iron, smoke, lavender and a host of ferrous notes are quite expressive, while the fruit remains pushed to the background. (AG)
(04/2016)
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James Suckling
94
Loads of sweet tobacco, bay leaf, sage, and dark fruits on the nose. Full bodied with chewy tannins and a firm finish. Fresh and clean, with a little more muscle than the others.
(02/2011)
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Wine Spectator
94
Serves up a rich, complex array of flavors, built around cedary oak, ripe currant and black cherry, with hints of leather and spice. Ends with a long, intricate finish that pulls all the flavors together. Firmly tannic. (JL)
(10/2008)
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