Winemaker Notes
The 2014 “IX Estate” Syrah is a rich, sumptuous blend of old world and new world. Its perfume has an enticingly seductive lift of tangerine that is complemented by aromas of dark chocolate, dried flowers, and white pepper. Saline notes of oyster shell and tapenade weave together with iron mineral notes from the “IX Estate” volcanic soils. Flavors of grilled steak fat, cured meats, and blackberry cobbler lead to a melting and succulent texture on entry. The palate is coated with an exceptionally smooth tannin that is dense and deeply layered.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
As to the Syrah, the 2014 Syrah just about jumps out of the glass with incredible varietal aromatics of darker berries, bloody meat, pepper, and leather nuances. Surprisingly, it comes close to matching the 2013 in concentration and richness, yet it’s just slightly more accessible. Drink this pure, layered, incredibly satisfying Syrah over the coming 15 years.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Lastly, the 2014 Syrah IX Estate has this incredibly fragrant, flowery bouquet that makes it seem as if there were some Viognier co-fermented with it, but it’s always 100% Syrah coming from their steep vineyards. Oodles of honeysuckle, blackberry, black cherry, graphite and some exotic white fruits seem present in this full-bodied, lush, savory, sexy and intense wine that is irresistible in 2014, and for that reason, destined to be drunk in its first 10-15 years, although I suspect it could last longer.
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Vinous
The 2014 Syrah IX Estate has matured into a gorgeous, delicate wine. Scents of tobacco, dried herbs, menthol, licorice and coffee lift from the glass. As is so often the case, my impression is that the Syrah is as much a wine of IX Estate as it is a varietal Syrah. Red-toned fruit, iron, dried flowers and mocha build into the incisive finish. This is such a complete wine.
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Wine Spectator
Potent and brooding, yet polished, with plum, smoky beef and cracked pepper flavors that build depth and tension toward big but refined tannins. Drink now through 2025
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.