Colgin Red IX Estate Napa Valley 2012

100 points International Wine Report: "[$550 list] The stunning IX Estate Proprietary Red is a simply flawless effort from Colgin in 2012. This compelling blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot is sourced entirely from the Parcel 9 at Colgin's sloping vineyards perched on Pritchard Hill, high above Lake Hennesey. This majestic wine opens with intense aromas of ripe dark currants and blueberries along with smoke and soy sauce which all come together beautifully in the glass. On the palate there are layers of ripe dark fruits along with dark chocolate, crushed stones and hints of iron. This continues to impress with its gorgeous round, voluptuous texture and well-integrated tannins, which make for a seamless transition into the persistent finish. Winemaker Allison Tauziet has crafted an absolute masterpiece, which is sure to have a long future ahead. Drink: 2016-2036. (Dec 2015)"

99 points Robert Parker: "The 2012 IX Proprietary Red Estate, which comes from their gorgeous hillside vineyards overlooking Lake Hennessey high on Pritchard Hill, is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot. Absolutely spectacular aromatics of spring flowers, blueberry, blackberry and blackcurrant fruit intermixed with creosote, graphite and floral notes are followed by a wine of great depth, elegance, richness and purity. Simply loaded, but with pristine harmony and equilibrium, this is a sensational tour de force and a great tribute to this spectacular hillside site on Pritchard Hill. Drink it over the next 25-35 years. Drink: 2015-2050. (Oct 2015)"

99 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Winemaker Allison Tauziet commented that after 2011, the vines had lots of energy going into 2012, and the team had to do lots of canopy management and crop thinning. The 2012 IX Estate is show-stopping juice and offers an incredible array of cassis and currant-like fruits as well as truffle, iron, and spring flowers. A blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot, this full-bodied, deep, layered, utterly compelling Napa red is just now at the early stages of its prime drink window and has another 2-3 decades of life. As with the 2013 IX Estate, it reminds me of a 2009 First Growth from Bordeaux. Drink: 2023-2053. (2/16/23)"

96 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2012 IX Estate is the biggest and most powerful of these wines. Firm tannins provide the backdrop for a huge core of fruit as this creamy, voluptuous Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend shows off its considerable personality. Game, smoke and tobacco add nuance on the finish. The IX Estate brings together some of the sensuality of Tychson Hill along with a level of vibrancy that recalls the Cariad. If that sounds appealing, well, it is. Drink: 2017-2027. (Dec 2014)"

96 points James Suckling: "This is big and powerful with juicy, velvety tannins that deliver a rich, opulent palate of black truffles and crushed berries with hints of charcoal, graphite and smoke. Drink or hold. (8/27/20)"