Phenomenal aromas and flavors of pure fruit with stones and rock. Turns to mint and eucalyptus. Full body, with powerful yet polished tannins. Creamy and fresh. Changes continually. The finish goes on for minutes Savory. And juicy.

The 2009 IX Estate Red Wine is another breathtaking wine. It is the coolest most inward of these 2009s. Graphite tar smoke savory herbs licorice and black fruit are some of nuances that emerge from the IX Estate. Here too the tannins are quite imposing at this stage but the integration of fruit and structure is superb. This has more than enough stuffing to age for a number of years. The 2009 IX Estate is 69% Cabernet Sauvignon 15% Merlot 10% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026.

A muscle-bound effort tight dense and chewy with tar blackberry cedar and tobacco flavors. Ends with a pleasant wall of tannins and a persistent push of flavors. Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2014 through 2030. 1300 cases made.