Another perfect wine from this incredible team is the 2013 Syrah, and this world-class example of the variety will stand up to anything out there. Deep purple-hued with a mammoth-sized bouquet of blueberries, smoked meats, violets, game, and spring flowers, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, seamless mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, and a gorgeous finish. It’s a gorgeous wine in every way. I think it’s right in the middle of its prime drinking window, where it should hold for another decade, with a gradual decline after that.

Amazing aromas of cracked black pepper, smoked meat and blueberries. Blue slate. Full body, iodine, spice, crushed black fruit, and black pepper. Polished and velvety. Glorious. Why wait to drink this? Yet it has a bright future in the bottle.

This is clearly the benchmark wine for what can be done with Syrah in Northern California. This is stunning in every sense of the word. Produced from perfectly ripe fruit, it’s like walking through the farmers market with its cornucopia dark red berries and blue fruit with an intriguing note of citrus and fresh herbs in the background. The wine is concentrated, opulent and jacked up with layers of sweet, fat, luscious, juicy, intense, peppery berries that remain with you from start to finish. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2013&wine=Colgin%20Syrah%20IX%20Estate

The 2013 Syrah IX Estate may turn out to be better. It’s not as complex from a nuanced standpoint as the 2012, but it has possibly greater intensity than its sibling. Its blackberry fruit, charcoal, acacia flowers, grilled meats and beef tartare notes are all beautifully presented in a pure, succulent, opulent style. This is amazing sTuff, and a great example of a singular style of Syrah from Napa Valley. Drink now-2028.- RP

Deep and powerfully complex, with an enticingly supple texture. Aromas of blueberry, chunky chocolate and smoky herb combine with layered flavors of huckleberry, cracked pepper and licorice, lingering toward big but plush tannins. Drink now through 2028. 480 cases made. — TF