Colgin 2019 IX Estate Syrah, Pritchard Hill, Napa Valley 98+ Points

Vinous 98 Points: “The 2019 IX Estate is supremely elegant and polished. All the strong mineral and savory accents typical of this site are present, but they are nearly buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit. Bright and chiseled, the 2019 is focused and full of character right out of the gate. Dried herb, tobacco, chocolate and mineral accents lend nuance throughout. My impression is that the 2019 is still recovering from its recent bottling. It is already stellar, but it will be even more stellar in time.”

Robert Parker 98+ Points: “Sporting a deep garnet-purple color, the 2019 IX Syrah Estate hops up and down with its showy, flamboyant scents of chocolate-covered cherries, mulberries and preserved plums, before bursting into a gorgeous perfume of bouquet garni, candied violets, tar and roses, followed by unsmoked cigars with a waft of Sichuan pepper. The generous, full-bodied palate offers beautifully rounded, pebble-like tannins with invigorating freshness and so many fragrant layers that linger with edifying persistence. An absolute diva of a wine!”

Jeb Dunnuck 98 Points: “Lastly, Colgin only makes a tiny amount of Syrah, but it’s consistently one of the greatest expressions of the variety in California, as well as the world. Their 2019 Syrah delivers the goods and brings a Côte Rôtie-like opulence and elegance as well as full-bodied aromas and flavors of blueberries, violets, smoke game, bouquet garni, and spring flowers. Pure, seamless, and perfectly balanced, you can safely put this up with anything out there. Enjoy bottles over the coming 15 years.”

Winery Notes: “The 2019 “IX Estate” Syrah shines with glimmering notes of violets, mandarin zest, and tarragon. Underlying savory layers of tapenade, barbecue spice, and tea leaves accentuate the soil-driven notes of forest floor and iron. A silken, enveloping texture unfolds across the palate finishing with super fine tannins and a burst of salivating flavors.”