- CRITICAL REVIEWS
- WINEMAKER NOTES
RP
98
Robert Parker Wine Advocate
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.
Reviewed by Robert M. Parker, Jr, Issue date: June 2015. Drinking window: 2015 - 2035.
V
95
Vinous
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.
Reviewed by Antonio Galloni, Issue date: October 2015. Drinking window: 2015 - 2025.
2005 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
As these vines mature, the character of the "IX Estate" terroir will continue to grow. We dropped nearly 75% of the crop to the ground to maximize color and flavor, creating a wine that is difficult to resist. The nose reveals juniper berry, black cherries, chocolate liqueur, roasted herbs, and grilled meat. Secondary aromas of clay, crushed rock, lavender, and mineral are revealed in the glass. On the palate, the wine has layers of luxuriously textured tannins. Fresh acidity brings a balanced amount of structure to the palate. The finish is vibrant and long.
CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
Typical, winter rains halted early, leaving a dry, mild March, but spring rains returned, with frequency, through June, delaying the fruit set. The summer was temperate, with few heat events, yielding one of the most bountiful crops since 1997. Thinning was key to achieve ripeness and flavor development. Mild days and cool nights continued after veraison, allowing ample time for flavor development. The wines of the 2005 vintage display elegant richness and impeccably balanced acidities.
As these vines mature, the character of the "IX Estate" terroir will continue to grow. We dropped nearly 75% of the crop to the ground to maximize color and flavor, creating a wine that is difficult to resist. The nose reveals juniper berry, black cherries, chocolate liqueur, roasted herbs, and grilled meat. Secondary aromas of clay, crushed rock, lavender, and mineral are revealed in the glass. On the palate, the wine has layers of luxuriously textured tannins. Fresh acidity brings a balanced amount of structure to the palate. The finish is vibrant and long.
CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
Typical, winter rains halted early, leaving a dry, mild March, but spring rains returned, with frequency, through June, delaying the fruit set. The summer was temperate, with few heat events, yielding one of the most bountiful crops since 1997. Thinning was key to achieve ripeness and flavor development. Mild days and cool nights continued after veraison, allowing ample time for flavor development. The wines of the 2005 vintage display elegant richness and impeccably balanced acidities.