Winemaker Notes

The 2017 “IX Estate” beams from the glass with a feeling of purpose and a sense of place. In its youth, this vintage has continually shown enhanced soil driven aromas such as iron and graphite along with the sappy wild sage that grows in the periphery of this site. Raspberry and marzipan combine with juniper and nutmeg, adding complexity at every sip. The 2017 “IX Estate” offers a balance of firm yet pleasurable structure and a harmonious succulence. The 2017 “IX Estate” retains focus and purity combined with heightened acidity ensuring it will last for decades. 

Blend: 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot  

Critical Acclaim

Jeb Dunnuck - 98pts

Blackcurrants, tobacco, gravelly earth, and lead pencil notes emerge from the 2017 IX Estate, which has a Chateau Latour-like austerity and class. Coming from vines around the estate, high up on Pritchard Hill, it builds beautifully on the palate and is full-bodied and massively concentrated, yet has stunning balance as well as polished, silky tannins. Enough can’t be said about the quality coming from this estate, and this is another magical wine that will stand up to the greatest Cabernets in the world. Hide bottles for 5-7 years (if you have more patience than I do) and enjoy over the following 40-50 years.

James Suckling - 97pts

Intense aromas of blackberries, blueberries, light wet earth and fresh flowers. Chewy, polished tannins tighten the palate with dark fruit, such as black cherries. Juicy and intense. So classic and polished. Needs four to five years to soften.