Winemaker Notes
The 2017 “IX Estate” Syrah is a myriad of intricate flavors. Combining floral aromatics of dried potpourri, violets, and mandarin zest with hints of white pepper, saucisson and niçoise olive, the 2017 ‘IX Estate’ Syrah is both savory and luscious. Delectable notes of ripe blackberry and black licorice entice the senses. The suave, layered tannins on the palate lead to an extraordinarily long and decadent finish.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Lastly, and all destemmed aged 18 months in roughly 70% new French oak, the 2017 Syrah IX Estate needs to be tasted to be believed. It’s hard to understand how this incredible wine was produced in a vintage like 2017. Revealing a deep purple color as well as a monster bouquet of blackberries, orange blossom, smoked meat, bacon fat, and spring flower, it's deep, full-bodied, and beautifully pure on the palate, with silky tannins and a singular, exotic character. It’s not easy to find, but unquestionably worth the effort!
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Very deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 IX Syrah Estate opens with the most beautiful nose of crushed black berries, boysenberries, mulberries, chocolate-covered cherries, star anise and red roses with touches of garrigue, mandarin peel and fragrant earth. Medium-bodied, the palate is very firm and elegant with approachably ripe, rounded tannins and layer upon layer of perfumed flavors. It has a long pepper and spice-laced finish. Very impressive!
Rating: 98+ -
James Suckling
What a wonderful red with blackberry, clove, dried-meat and tea aromas. Full-bodied, really fine and polished. It caresses your palate. Chocolate, tiramisu and hints of sandalwood. Intensely flavorful. Super syrah. Drink or hold.
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Wine Spectator
Plush and ripe, featuring jammy blueberry and black cherry flavors, layered with chunky chocolate, toasted cinnamon and smoky meat notes. Finishes with polished tannins. Drink now through 2026.
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.