The 2019 IX Estate is supremely elegant and polished. All the strong mineral and savory accents typical of this site are present, but they are nearly buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit. Bright and chiseled, the 2019 is focused and full of character right out of the gate. Dried herb, tobacco, chocolate and mineral accents lend nuance throughout. My impression is that the 2019 is still recovering from its recent bottling. It is already stellar, but it will be even more stellar in time.

73% Cabernet Sauvignon 16% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot. Tremendous fruit clarity: this isn't just blackcurrant, it has an earthy rootiness that is almost like Pinot Noir, or perhaps Syrah. There's blueberry, black cherry, leather, cocoa and baked spice. So much eloquence and expression, even at this young age, and makes you wonder how anyone has patience with top bordeaux! Pure, delicious but not generic – there's a distinct accent. (RH)

2019 was a late-ripening vintage at Colgin’s IX Estate on Pritchard Hill. Much was picked during the third week of October, allowing winemaker Allison Tauzier to perform a little more co-fermentation. The 2019 IX Estate is opaque purple-black in color, needing a little coaxing to unlock notions of blackberry preserves, baked plums and crème de cassis, plus hints of pencil lead, star anise, wild sage and Indian spices, leading to a fragrant waft of lavender. Built like a brick house, the opulent, full-bodied palate is perfectly framed by super firm, exquisitely ripe tannins and a fantastic acid line to give lift throughout the long earthy finish. So finely knit together, this multi-layered, seamless beauty is just breathtaking.