Colgin Cellars:
Tasting Notes: As these vines mature, the character of the "IX Estate" terroir will continue to grow. We dropped nearly 75% of the crop to the ground to maximize color and flavor, creating a wine that is difficult to resist. The nose reveals juniper berry, black cherries, chocolate liqueur, roasted herbs, and grilled meat. Secondary aromas of clay, crushed rock, lavender, and mineral are revealed in the glass. On the palate, the wine has layers of luxuriously textured tannins. Fresh acidity brings a balanced amount of structure to the palate. The finish is vibrant and long.
Climatic Conditions: Typical, winter rains halted early, leaving a dry, mild March, but spring rains returned, with frequency, through June, delaying the fruit set. The summer was temperate, with few heat events, yielding one of the most bountiful crops since 1997. Thinning was key to achieving ripeness and flavor development. Mild days and cool nights continued after veraison, allowing ample time for flavor development. The wines of the 2005 vintage display elegant richness and impeccably balanced acidity.
