2019 was a late-ripening vintage at Colgin’s IX Estate on Pritchard Hill. Much was picked during the third week of October, allowing winemaker Allison Tauzier to perform a little more co-fermentation. The 2019 IX Estate is opaque purple-black in color, needing a little coaxing to unlock notions of blackberry preserves, baked plums and crème de cassis, plus hints of pencil lead, star anise, wild sage and Indian spices, leading to a fragrant waft of lavender. Built like a brick house, the opulent, full-bodied palate is perfectly framed by super firm, exquisitely ripe tannins and a fantastic acid line to give lift throughout the long earthy finish. So finely knit together, this multi-layered, seamless beauty is just breathtaking.