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Wine Description
The Story
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, IX Estate Napa Valley Red is distinguished by complex fruit interplays, a luscious nose of rustic herbs, iron, clay and black fruits, huge layers of flavor and supple, sweet tannins impeccably well-balanced. The number IX refers to the parcel number and is also significant as the date Ann and Joe were married: 9/9. The 2002 vintage was the first, of four vintages, from this property to achieve the highest accolade of “a perfect wine”. Each year the blend displays extraordinary intensity, a beautiful purity, and a remarkably long finish. Approachable when young, it ages most gracefully
Wine Information
Nuanced yet vivid, the 2019 vintage brims with the hallmark characteristics of the IX Estate vineyard. Powerful mineral notes of crushed rock and iron intermingle with compelling scents of licorice, black cherry, and huckleberry. Generous notes of sage and juniper meld with subtle hints of graphite and potpourri. A gliding texture of suave tannins seamlessly coats the palate leading to a sleek finish. The pure, gorgeous fruit ties everything together, making for an exquisite wine that sings now but will only reveal more layers in the future.
Vintage 2019
The 2019 growing season paralleled the moderate season of 2018, with several, key elements distinguishing it both at the beginning and the end. An abundance of rainfall came in the winter of 2019 and continued into early May. Vines thrived under such verdant growing conditions. Enhancing the airflow of the vine by spacing out the shoots and adjusting leaves in the late spring was an important yet laborious element for success in 2019. Nature yielded vines with an abundant crop, a result of the extra soil moisture and nutrients. We adjusted crop size using strict criteria for cluster thinning to bring the vines into balance.
A peaceful summer ensued, leading us into ideal ripening conditions throughout September. In early October, a sequence of very cold nights downshifted the pace of ripening, just as the days were shortening. Harvest took place during the middle two weeks of October. The cold nights and cooler days captured freshness, infusing intensity of both flavor and perfume into the wines. Seamless tannins and a strikingly gliding texture define the wines of the 2019 vintage. Though not lacking for structure, the wines are complete in their youth, making for undeniable, immediate enjoyment. Patience in the cellar will only highlight their soaring aromatics, as the palpable fruit integrates with the more subtle savory character.