Colgin - IX Estate Proprietary Red 2010

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 2010 IX Estate is another perfect wine. Its opaque purple color is accompanied by copious aromas of blueberries, cassis, pen ink, asphalt, licorice and subtle oak. Full-bodied and rich but light on its feet, this spectacular effort was created from a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot. Enjoy this profound wine over the next 25+ years" Drink: 2013 - 2038.

JAMES SUCKLING: "Super-complex on the nose with roses, pure fruit and walnuts. Hints of plums. It´s full-bodied with velvety tannins and crazy spicy character. Firm, chewy texture. Savory finish. Even slightly salty."

FALSTAFF: "Nasse Erde, Asche, Rauch und nasses Herbstlaub sorgen zunächst für eine sehr erdige Nase, doch mit der Luft kommen Veilchen, Pflaumen und Heidelbeeren zum Vorschein. Am Gaumen zeigen sich ebenfalls schöne erdige Noten, fast wie Sojasoße, die sich gut mit den inzwischen aufgelösten, aber immer noch festen Tanninen vertragen. Im Abgang zeigt sich eine schöne Note von Frische und eine weitere Wolke von Holzrauch."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: 96 THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Fresh herbs, cassis, blackberry, truffle, black raspberry, vanilla and oak scents open up the wine. On the palate, the wine is tannic, rich, full bodied and filled with black cherry liqueur and espresso bean. There is a minor hint of dryness in the finish, which stops my score from going higher. The wine was produced from a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot."

LISA PERROTTI-BROWN: LISA PERROTTI-BROWN:"Deep garnet in color, the 2010 IX Estate flies out of the glass with maturing scents of prunes, stewed blackberries, and fruitcake, followed by hints of wild sage, damp soil, and unsmoked cigars with a waft of wet slate. The medium to full-bodied palate is bright and drinking nicely now, with chewy tannins and a refreshing backbone, finishing on a lingering umami note and an herbal lift."

DECANTER: From a late, cool vintage, the 2010s from Napa often find more favour with European than Californian palates. Very deep in colour, this is now showing some evolution. The nose is rich in blackcurrant and mint aromas; it's vibrant and stylish. The palate is weightier, with more opulence and firm tannins. Sleek and elegant, the long finish is threaded by fine acidity.

WINE SPECTATOR: "Pleasing for its richness, elegance and finesse, this graceful red presents a delicate mix of dark berry, licorice, light cedar and loamy earth, gliding along on the finish, where the wine is amazingly polished. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2026. 1,100 cases made."