Colgin - IX Estate Syrah 2012

THE WINEADVOCATE: "The wine that probably gets ignored, but shouldn’t be, is their small production of 350-400 cases of Syrah from their estate vineyard. The 2012 IX Syrah Estate blew me away, and I’ve said many times that it always tastes as if it’s co-fermented with Viognier, but it is always 100% Syrah. It has a honeysuckle, flowery, almost white/peachy component in the blackberry and meaty aromatics that always throw me off. The wine is aged in small oak, but the oak is concealed by the lavish amount of fruit, glycerin and extract. This is a super-intense, massive, yet elegant and complex Syrah that should drink well for 10-15 years."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Really peppery black and red fruits with an interesting hint of peach and thyme in the bouquet. The wine is vibrant, energetic and ripe, with a fun citrus note in the smooth, mineral driven, sweet black raspberry filled finish."

ANTONIO GALLONI: "The 2012 Syrah IX Estate is fabulous. Sweet tobacco, wild flowers, mint, spices and plums are all beautifully delineated. Varietal notes abound in a vivid, nuanced wine long on class and personality. Distinctly ferrous and cherry pit overtones add complexity on the finish. This is an exceptionally polished, striking wine from Colgin. It is a shame Syrah is so often overlook here, because this is pretty much as good as it gets. Ideally, readers should plan on giving the 2012 at least a few years in bottle to fully come together."

JAMES SUCKLING: "This is phenomenal with aromas of walnuts, meat, dark fruits and spices. Full body, soft and silky tannins, and a long finish. This shows subtle and intense character. So succulent and savory. Sweet fruit, yet salty. 400 cases. Drink now."

WINESPECTATOR: "Broodingly dark in color, this red combines power and finesse. Dusty dried currant and wild sage aromas open to plush, complex flavors of blackberry, toasty vanilla and dark licorice. Shows momentum toward the ripe tannins on the finish. Drink now through 2027. 440 cases made."