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.

The 2017 IX Estate really speaks to the essence of this site high above Lake Hennessey. Rich, ample and full-bodied, with tremendous mineral and savory intensity, the 2017 has so much to offer. Graphite, menthol, licorice, espresso, spice, black cherry and plum emerge with some reluctance, but it is the wine's explosive energy that stands out most. The 2017 is a potent, brooding wine that clearly demands patience. Today, its mountain structure is especially evident.

Features a warm, plush, forward, fruit-driven profile, with waves of fig, blackberry and black currant preserves nicely melded together. Shows a pinch of slightly woodsy grip on the finish, but the fruit overcomes that, ending with echoes of charcoal and espresso cream. A solid underlying grip will help cellaring. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2021 through 2033.