The 2009 IX Estate Red Wine is incredibly inviting on the nose! A great marriage of aromas of the soil and the dark fruit flavors I associate with this vintage. The first observation is the dark black licorice aroma coming from the Cabernet Franc, but the more you examine the wine, the more number 9 estate notes come through. Gravel, soapstone, talc and especially graphite round out the nose, giving it its sense of place. The purity of aroma is striking and very tempting. There is a meaty side to the wine, of grilled steak and even savory jerky. More memorable than the nose, is the texture of the wine on the palate. Upon first sip, the tannins are both silky and full bodied. The fresh acidity brings a juicy quality to the wine. With tannins that are both round and plump, this wine is just delicious. The lingering structure from the tannin proves the pedigree of the wine. Decant 3 hours ahead of time at a temperature of 55F.
