2018 Colgin Red IX Estate ( Release)

Blackcurrants, graphite and black mushrooms with some bark and mahogany undertones. Full-bodied with a sense of tannin but then it’s rather weightless and integrated. Tannins are very poised and focused. So fine and pointed. Tight at the end. Very reserved still, sophisticated and savory.

The 2018 IX Estate is a wine of extraordinary depth and intensity. The aromatics along are positively dazzling. Crushed herbs, lavender, spice, menthol, chocolate, licorice and gravel lend tremendous power and gravitas. Just as impressive it was last year, the 2018 is positively riveting today. What a wine! (AG)

77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot from the hills overlooking Oakville and Lake Hennessey, at 1,100–1,400 ft. Approximately 65% new oak (mainly Taransaud, with Sylvain M+ toast being the remainder).  They have been gradually reducing the percentage of new oak since 2010. Total production 1,650 cases. Very dark crimson with a bit of garnet at the rim. Dense colour with opaque core. Deep, rich, complex, deep in black fruit but also a more savoury, tarry quality. Woodland and spice. Extremely concentrated and extremely thickly textured. Knife and fork needed here and nowhere near ready to drink. Opens up to a bloody/iron note. Alcohol is high but does not stand out. This is huge, dark and charry/savoury on the finish. What I like about it is the lack of any sort of sweetness, either fruit or oak. Long, thick, deep. There's just a touch of the Cabernet Franc freshness but fresh is not the word for this wine even if it is not overripe. It is just madly concentrated. (JH)