The 2017 IX Estate is composed of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Opaque purple-black colored, the nose is quite closed and shy to begin, slowly unfurling to reveal freshly crushed blackberries, mulberries and blackcurrants plus suggestions of dusty soil, bouquet garni, pencil lead and cast-iron pan with gentle wafts of sandalwood, cardamom, rare beef and black tea. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is built like a brick house, strutting incredibly ripe yet super firm tannins, and it has lovely, uplifting freshness to help define all those black fruit and savory layers, finishing with epic length. Needs time, but this should turn out to be incredibly nuanced and long lived!

LPB, WA#245