Colgin CellarsIX Estate Red OWC3 2018

Still showing a bit of youthful tautness, Colgin´s 2018 Syrah IX Estate reveals a bit more herbal nuances in its makeup than the other vintages tasted on this occasion, bringing even more complexity into the mix. Sage and bay leaf notes accent blueberry fruit in this full-bodied wine that´s elegantly framed by fine-grained tannins while showing fantastic length, energy and balance, finishing with echoing notes of espresso and crushed stone.

Another perfect wine, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon IX Estate is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with 14% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot, all from the estate on Pritchard Hill. A monster of a wine that needs serious bottle age, it reveals a dense purple hue as well as a mineral-drenched bouquet of pure crème de cassis, charcoal, spring flowers, tobacco, and earth. Just incredible on the palate, it’s full-bodied and flawlessly balanced, with remarkable purity and a finish that won’t quit. Cabernet – or red wine for that matter – doesn’t get any better! It needs a solid 5-7 years of bottle age. but this legendary wine will see its 50th birthday in fine form.

The 2018 IX Estate is deep purple-black in color. It gives up crushed blueberries, fresh blackcurrants, and black cherry preserves with an evocative undercurrent of licorice, sandalwood, clove oil, and cumin seed plus a waft of iron ore. The full-bodied palate is firm, tightly wound, and so, so intense, featuring exquisitely ripe, fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long and opulent.

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. Still needs time, or decant three hours ahead, Better in five or six years.