Colgin Red IX Estate Napa Valley 2007

100 points Robert Parker: "The staggeringly rich, complex, harmonious, impeccably well-balanced 2007 IX Proprietary Red Estate (1,400 case produced) exhibits aromas of spring flowers, cedarwood, Asian spices, licorice, blueberries, and blackberries. A distinct liqueur of minerals buttresses the full-bodied, massive concentration, giving an overall impression of elegance, purity, and harmony. This is another seamless tour de force in winemaking. It should drink well for 25 or more years. (Dec 2009)"

100 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Absolute pure perfection in wine, the 2007 IX Estate checks in as a blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, which at that time came from 7-year-old vines. Reminding me of a great Saint-Emilion (despite being Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated), it has a gorgeous perfume of red and black fruits, white truffle, tobacco, and spiced meats, even with a kiss of iron in the background. Full-bodied, powerful, and concentrated, it has perfect tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. It’s drinking at point today but has another two decades, although why wait? Drink: 2023-2043. (2/16/23)"

97 points Wine Spectator: "Classy, intense and vibrant, full-bodied and layered, with wonderful balance, this red delivers vivid blackberry, wild berry, mineral, anise and dusty, cedary oak flavors that are trim and focused, yet expansive, as they unfold. Ends with a long, detailed finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. 1,500 cases made. (10/15/10)"

97 points James Suckling: "Beautiful aromas of flowers, currants, violets, and mint. The palate is incredibly elegant, full bodied, polished tannins, and beautiful fruit. A nice finish of minerals, slate, and sandalwood. This is very reserved right now, Don't touch this for another six years at least. (2/15/11)"

96 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "69% cabernet sauvignon, 22% merlot, 5% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot) Bright, deep ruby. Knockout nose combines black cherry, game, smoke, violet and menthol; wonderfully expressive but serious in the way of a Left Bank Bordeaux. The palate boasts outstanding sweetness with lift, displaying terrific definition to the dark fruit, mineral, licorice and menthol flavors. A wine of outstanding dimension and great inner-mouth verve. The longest and juiciest of these 2007s, with a slowly building, rising finish that's rare for California wine. Winemaker Tauziet noted that the 2007s were bottled a bit later than usual 'as they stayed so fresh in barrel.' She added that some 2007 lots were never racked until the bottling. (May/Jun 2010):