2014 Colgin, IX Estate Syrah, Napa Valley, California, USA

Lastly, the 2014 Syrah IX Estate has this incredibly fragrant, flowery bouquet that makes it seem like 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, savoury, 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.

Everything at Colgin is done meticulously, almost compulsively, so it’s no surprise that they have been on a qualitative surge since establishing their winery high on Pritchard Hill. On my last visit there, the 2013s had just been released, and two of those wines, the Proprietary Red IX Estate and the Tychson Hill, both scored triple digits, with the Cariad and Syrah IX Estate 2013s a mere 98 points. This is just how magnificent these wines have become. Of course, they have a talented team led by Ann Colgin. 

Winemaker Allison Tauziet, who mentored under Mark Aubert, continues to develop as a superstar while working with well-known Bordeaux consultant Dr Alain Raynaud. Furthermore, the long-time viticulturalist managing these fabulous vineyards is David Abreu. The 2014s have put on weight across the board, and it’s no surprise that they are nearly as profound as the Colgin 2013s just released in September of 2016) have turned out to be. These amazing wines from one of the world’s greatest small wineries merit serious attention.

Drink 2016 - 2031

As to the Syrah, the 2014 Syrah IX Estate 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.

Drink 2023 - 2038

Gorgeous aromas of lean pencil, blackcurrants and raspberries. So perfumed and glorious. Full-bodied, chewy and intense with great length and intensity. Silky and muscular yet agile and energetic. It needs three to four years to resolve some of the tannins.

Ready to drink