- CRITICAL REVIEWS
- WINEMAKER NOTES
Jeb Dunnuck
Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Vinous
2015 Colgin Cellars IX Estate Red, Napa Valley, USA
Our “IX Estate” is a powerful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.
“IX Estate” is a wine of great power with towering aromatics of dark fruits, savory herbs, and spice. First produced in 2002, “IX Estate” can be enjoyed in youth and ages gracefully for years to come.
Tasting Notes
The 2015 “IX Estate” is exotic and intoxicating. Dark notes of chocolate truffle are infused with bright, lively aromas of lavender, mint, and dark cherry. Savory aromas of fresh and dried herbs fuse together with the soil-driven flavors of iron and crushed rock. A hint of acidity on the palate underlies the silky texture, leading to a prolonged finish. The 2015 "IX Estate" exudes a liveliness with its bright, bold fragrance, reflecting a vintage with full ripeness.
Climatic Conditions
2015 continued the streak of exquisite vintages produced from the extended drought that began in 2013 in the Napa Valley. Much of the rain for the 2015 season came before winter even began. A long pause, until early February, followed, when a large storm came. These alternating wet and dry conditions, combined with a warm winter, led to an early budbreak at the beginning of March. A long, cool spring ensued, bringing sporadic growing conditions leading into bloom. Uneven weather during flowering led to very light clusters with few berries, delivering a small crop. What began as a challenge ultimately resulted in a blessing. The small crop with tiny berries ripened quickly over the warm summer and fall, bringing fruit with vivid color and exciting levels of flavor. We crafted the 2015 vintage with an emphasis on preserving the aromatic exuberance of the wines. The lush textures and inky color in the nascent wines guided us toward gentler extraction that would preserve the wine’s balance and let the energy shine through.