2005 Colgin “IX Estate” – Red Wine

Paul and I really enjoyed a bottle of 2005 Colgin IX Estate at Brix Wine Cellars in Houston last night. The 2005 IX Estate is the fourth release of this proprietary red blend.

The winemaker is Allison Tauziet and the vineyard manager is David Abreau who is considered the premier viticulturist for premium grapes in Napa Valley.

Winery: Colgin

Vintage: 2005

Appellation: Napa Valley – St. Helena

Varietals: 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot

Tasting: Concentrated black cherry, blackcurrant, blackberry, blueberry, scorched earth, menthol, licorice, maduro cigar wrapper, lavender, cinnamon, with a beautiful rich minerals. This very big and full bodied wine is highly concentrated, complex, and decadent on the palate. The wine has nicely textured tannins and great acidity lending the wine to a nice balance. The finish long and generous.

 The proprietor doesn’t recommend drinking this wine until 2011, but with decanting, it can be greatly enjoyed now. I would suggest 2 hours of decanting if opened now, but will improve with cellaring and will age well for 25 plus years.

Some of the scores this vintage has received. ST 94-97, WA 97, WE 97, WS 94

Rating: PC 96, JH 95

�