A first look in on 3-4 bottles purchased from Rob Brost at just over $30.
Nose of nearly overripe floral fruits of; blackberries, creamy black raspberries, dark cherries, poached/slightly baked strawberries, boysenberries & plum. Dry twigs, sandalwood, undertones of crush rocks/limestone, mid berry cola, dark, red florals framed in liquid violets & lavender.
The palate shows nearly overripe, juicy & floral fruits of; blackberries, creamy black raspberries, black plum, dark cherries, poached/slightly baked strawberries, boysenberries & plum. Dark chocolate, mocha, caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, clove, soft nutmeg, anise-black licorice, moist, grey clay, drip roasted coffee, dry twigs, barrel shaving dust, undertones of crush rocks/limestone, dry stone, dark spice, light, dry herbs, mid berry cola, dark, red florals framed in liquid violets & lavender, great, rainfall acidity and a smooth, elegant, richly polished finish that last 45 seconds. — 7 months ago
The 2018 IX Estate is a wine of extraordinary depth and intensity. The aromatics along are positively dazzling. Crushed herbs, lavender, spice, menthol, chocolate, licorice and gravel lend tremendous power and gravitas. Just as impressive it was last year, the 2018 is positively riveting today. What a wine! (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2022)
— 3 years ago
96 that leans deep into 97. Always stunning from this producer regardless of vintage. Producer trust.
This still has dark, round, meaty, backbone tannins, dark currents w/ Indian/Asian spices. Ruby, lush; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum w/ dry skin, darkest of cherries, raspberry hues, purple fruits hues, deep baking spices, dark chocolate bar, mocha, caramel, dry top soil, crushed limestone powder, dry tobacco/leather, dry herbs-bay leave/sage, dry, slightly candied to withering flowers framed in violets/lavender, excellent, round acidity with a finish that is well structured, balanced, nicely tensioned & elegantly polished finish that falls onto dry earth & lasts minutes.
This 2001 is still youthful & has at least another decade well stored. — 4 months ago
Very nice! — 3 years ago
Brilliant ruby. Smoky, mineral-tinged aromas of raspberry, cherry preserves, garrigue and exotic spices show excellent clarity and acquire a gamy nuance as the wine opens up. At once rich and energetic in character, offering well-concentrated red berry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors and a sweetening touch of candied lavender. Shows fine definition and finishes gently, spicy and impressively long, with repeating florality and steadily building tannins. (Josh Raynolds, Vinous, October 2021)
— 3 years ago
Aravind A
Pop and pour. Notes from 24 hrs open (in the fridge overnight). While this was compelling yesterday, it is glorious today. On the nose: pure lavender, garrigue, soft cola and a touch of sweet incense, wow. On the palate: very good acidity, fantastic density, sweet blackberry, a touch of ash and heat, cola and a surprisingly dark finish, showing a smoldering warmth and very fine tannin. Seems like at least another 3-5 years before peak if this btl is representative. Absolutely gorgeous. — 3 months ago