($290; 69% cabernet sauvignon, 22% merlot, 5% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot) Bright, deep ruby. Knockout nose combines black cherry, game, smoke, violet and menthol; wonderfully expressive but serious in the way of a Left Bank Bordeaux. The palate boasts outstanding sweetness with lift, displaying terrific definition to the dark fruit, mineral, licorice and menthol flavors. A wine of outstanding dimension and great inner-mouth verve. The longest and juiciest of these 2007s, with a slowly building, rising finish that's rare for California wine. Winemaker Tauziet noted that the 2007s were bottled a bit later than usual "as they stayed so fresh in barrel." She added that some 2007 lots were never racked until the bottling.

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The staggeringly rich, complex, harmonious, impeccably well-balanced 2007 IX Proprietary Red Estate (1,400 case produced) exhibits aromas of spring flowers, cedarwood, Asian spices, licorice, blueberries, and blackberries. A distinct liqueur of minerals buttresses the full-bodied, massive concentration, giving an overall impression of elegance, purity, and harmony. This is another seamless tour de force in winemaking. It should drink well for 25 or more years.

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Classy, intense and vibrant, with wonderful balance, this red delivers vivid blackberry, wild berry, mineral, anise and dusty, cedary oak flavors that are trim and focused, yet expansive, as they unfold. Ends with a long, detailed finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

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