2016 Colgin Red IX Estate
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Tasting notes
A blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot from this picture-perfect property above Lake Hennessey, Colgin's 2016 IX Estate is a stunning effort. Subtle herbal nuances, including hints of of licorice, intertwine among bunches of black cherries and pencil shavings to form a dusting atop baskets of cassis. Complex and intense, this full-bodied wine is almost creamy in texture, with tannins so fine-grained as to almost be liquid in feel, then becoming silky on the elegant, lingering finish. Wow.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Notably deep crimson. Rich and polished and arguably the most like the stereotypical Napa Cabernet of all the Cabernets I tasted at the launch of the California List. Hint of cocoa and some quite firm tannins after the marked sweetness. (JR)
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot. This was always called IX referring to a significant date: ‘Joe and I got married here on 9/9. We had a 9-litre party at the Pritchard Hill property for our ninth anniversary on 9/9/09.' At 350 – 400 m elevation, the slope is well drained with lots of fog, always. 1,600 cases usually – 1,800 in 2016. Real breadth and interest on the nose. Lots of finesse and complexity. Lots of fun and garrigue. Nice savoury quality with definite herbs and carries its alcohol well. Long and just not too hot on the end. Sweet ink and a very cool finish. Tannins very perceptible. (JR)
Aromas of blackberries, black truffles, burnt orange peel, forest floor and blueberries. Decadent. Full to medium body. The tannins are so tight and dense with super fine and caressing texture. An amazing, mesmerizing wine. Drinkable and glorious, but better after 2022.
About the producer
Colgin has been producing some of the finest Cabernet blends in Napa Valley since its first vintage in 1992. Within just 13 years, it was recognised as one of the top 50 wine estates in the world by Robert Parker.