Colgin - IX Estate Syrah 2008

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Interesting French-like Syrahs are also made from the estate's steep hillside vineyards. The 2008 IX Syrah Estate is performing even better than it did last year from barrel. Juicy bacon fat, roasted meat, grilled herb and smoky notes are classic northern Rhone Syrah characteristics. A floral component suggests some Viognier could be co-fermented, but this is 100% Syrah. The wood is well-concealed in this full-bodied, delicious wine. It is capable of a decade or more of cellaring."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Dark in color, with pepper, smoky, ripe, red and black fruits with a touch of forest aromas finish with a rich, fat, dense, spicy, peppery fruit filled finish."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Impressive for its elegance and finesse, this is taut and minerally, with dried berry, plum and blackberry, roasted game meat, white pepper, sage and cedary notes that are sleek, focused and long on the finish. Best from 2013 through 2025. 335 cases made."