98pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

From their steep hillside vineyards on Pritchard Hill, the 2014 Proprietary Red IX Estate is an old-fashioned Médoc blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, but with some Cabernet Franc (rarely seen in the Médoc these years) as well as Merlot and Petit Verdot. Striking aromatics of violets, forest floor, loamy soil nuances, blueberry, black raspberry and blackberry soar from the glass of this spectacular 2014. The acidity seems reasonable but on the lower side, the texture is magnificent, and the overall purity and equilibrium flawless. This is a wine pushing, even demanding, a three-digit score once again, but I’m holding back – at least for now. This magnificent effort from Colgin should drink beautifully for 25-30 years.

98pts James Suckling

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. Needs three to four years to resolve some of the tannins. Better in 2020.

98pts Jeb Dunnuck

The 2014 IX Estate is a normal blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon supported by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. From a consistently warm, moderate growing season, this has a layered, forward style in its ripe black and blue fruits as well as loamy earth, tobacco leaf, and graphite, with perfectly integrated background oak. Full-bodied, supple, and utterly seamless on the palate, it’s another wine from Tauziet that delivers sensational richness and depth with no sensation of weight or heaviness. Drink bottles any time over the coming two decades.

97pts Vinous

A huge, dark wine, the 2014 IX Estate exudes full-throttle intensity and richness, with big mountain tannins that give the wine its overall shape and feel. Huge swaths of mineral-drenched fruit make a strong first impression as this dark, brooding wine gradually shows its personality. Graphite, sage and grilled herbs envelop a core of intense fruit. A wine of volume and breadth, the 2014 IX Estate is going to take at least a few years to come into its own

96pts Decanter

A moderate growing season in Napa, with no heat spikes, delivered finely balanced wines with no rough edges. This is no exception, although the black-fruit nose is certainly dense and even now not fully open. The attack is tight, thanks to fine acidity, and the texture svelte and polished. Although no heavyweight, it's intense and punchy, with admirable elegance and superb length. 

93pts Wine Spectator

Aromas of loamy, dusty earth fold in nicely with the rich chocolaty core of dark berry. The tannins muster strength without overwhelming, adding the right touch of texture and traction. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2020 through 2034.

Winemaker Notes

The 2014 “IX Estate” exhibits a bouquet that marries richness with nuance. The vintage highlights the subtleties of each site. The classic black cherry and licorice at the foundation of this wine are threaded together beautifully with notes of Provençal herbs, iron mineral, and scorched earth. Fresh botanical herbal notes and savory bay leaf show the classicism of Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon itself. The complex flavors are pure and delineated; its immense subtleties are intoxicating. The seamless texture of the 2014 “IX Estate” is suave and smooth, such that its elegance belies its intensity.

Blend: 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot

Winery Notes

Colgin Cellars produces exquisitely handcrafted red wines using only the finest neo-classical winemaking methods in concert with small yields, gentle handling, attentive sorting and meticulous blending.

The Colgin winery, completed in 2002, is located at the northern end of IX Estate in the Pritchard Hill area of St. Helena, California. The state-of-the-art winery provides an inspiring view of Lake Hennesse.