2018 IX Estate Syrah

The 2018 Syrah IX Estate is a dense, powerful wine loaded with dark fruit and strong earthy, savory feral accents. There is a feeling of wildness in the 2018 that is compelling. In a way, the 2018 is more typically Syrah than the 2019. That may be a reflection of the two vintages or just a reflection of the 2018 being a year older. Time will ultimately tell. Both offer fascinating insights as to the potential of this site.

About 60% new oak, mainly François Frères and a bit of Damy water-bent.  320 cases produced. Black core with deep purple rim. Intense, spicy, with a touch of orange as well as incense. Like the IX Estate blend, this is super-thick, chewy, dense. Monolithic and the complete opposite of today's trends in light, fresh, juicy wines. The alcohol is felt a bit on the back of the throat. So dense it is hard to taste. Opens to a peppery fragrance, and peony fragrance remarkably emerges from this intensity, like the northern Rhône but also tarry. This is more fragrant and less savoury than the red blend. Impossible to drink now but rewarding to taste and smells lovely! There is a fresh bite on the finish but mostly it is that dark tarry concentration with shafts of perfume like sunlight through the clouds. (JH)

The 2018 Syrah from this estate is another majestic example of the variety and actually reminds me of the 2010. Gorgeous blackberry and blue fruits, notes of bacon fat, bouquet garni, and peppered game, full-bodied richness, and flawless balance all make for a captivating Syrah that can be drunk today or cellared for 15+ years. It’s as good as anything out there.