Winemaker Notes
The 2006 "IX Estate" Syrah is the most savory Syrah Colgin Cellars have made to date. Salty aromas of bacon fat, parma ham, soy and white pepper bombard the nose. Sweeter notes of purple fruits, fresh flowers and caramel bring balance to the savory quality of this wine. As brooding as it is, the wine holds a great freshness as well. The wine coats the palate with a beautiful broad entry and layers of silky tannin. Rich aromatics continue to linger for over a minute on the finish. The 2006 Syrah will drink brilliantly near term, and will continue to evolve for 10 or more years.
Critical Acclaim
All Vintages
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.