Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
What a nose of dried flowers, berries, smoked meat and bacon. Full to medium body, with fresh acidity and clean and juicy finish with hints of citrus rind. This is like a top classic Cote Rotie. Drink or hold.
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Vinous
The 2011 Syrah IX Estate is another stellar wine in this retrospective at Colgin. Deep and quite potent, the 2011 has so much going on. A rush of dark cherry, plum, licorice and dried herbs hits the palate, with a whole range of lavender, black pepper and sage that develop in the glass. In many vintages, the IX Syrah is more a wine of place, but in 2011, the varietal Syrah character is front and center. The 2011 is just starting to show signs of aromatic development. It has enough class and presence to continue to drink beautifully for another 10-15 years, if not longer.
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Wine Spectator
Offers beautifully rich dark berry fruit definition, with pure boysenberry, blackberry and blueberry flavors framed by cedary oak and spicy, floral scents. The flavors are big, yet this is elegant and graceful on the palate and long on the finish. Drink now through 2028.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Made in a lighter style, the 2011 IX Estate Syrah is reminiscent of a big, bold, top-notch Crozes-Hermitage. Notes of tapenade, red and black currants, licorice and Christmas fruitcake are all present in this medium to full-bodied, luscious, soft, pleasant 2011. Range: 91-93
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.