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Colgin Cellars Cariad Napa Valley Red Blend 2016
Limited Colgin Cabernet available. 100 points Robert Parker: "The 2016 Cariad Proprietary Red Wine is blended of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot and 8% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it has wonderful purity of black fruits—preserved plums, blackcurrants and black raspberries—with nuances of iron ore, crushed rocks, fertile loam, cedar chest and tobacco leaf. Full-bodied, concentrated, muscular and built like a brick house, it has very firm, grainy tannins and refreshing acidity, finishing incredibly long and mineral. This should be very, very long lived..." ...Tauziet and the team at Colgin were 100% on their game in 2016, as were the “grand cru” vineyard sites they bottle: Tychson Hill (in St. Helena), Cariad (a blend of David Abreu vineyards) and IX Estate (on Pritchard Hill). When the planets align so perfectly for the Cabernets in a vintage and the wines are this jaw-dropping, how else can you rate the results?" There are a lot of magnificent estates with Shangri-La-like beauty spread throughout California, and the Colgin property is in the top ten list for spectacular views as well as top quality. Sitting atop Pritchard Hill with stunning views of Lake Hennessey and the surrounding mountains, their IX Estate Vineyard is on a steep, intimidating hillside. It is one of the must-see attractions in Northern California, if not the entire state. The longstanding winemaking team of Ann Colgin, Allison Tauziet and Bordeaux consultant Dr. Alain Raynaud has produced some magnificent wines over the years (the 2001s, 2002s, 2005s, 2007s and 2008s) as well as amazing efforts in 2009, 2010 and 2012. There are three Bordeaux blend offerings, one from their Tychson Hill estate vineyard off Highway 29, north of St. Helena, and the second, the IX Estate blend. The Cariad is fashioned from a blend of grapes purchased from a number of David Abreu-s well-known and highly respected vineyards. There is also a fourth wine, the IX Estate Syrah, which is often a dead-ringer for a great Northern Rhone.
Ratings on Delectable
Dr. Owen Bargreen 
Every bit dazzling even at the four year mark, the 2016 Colgin ‘Cariad’ Red Wine (WWB, 97) is a massively dense wine that embodies tremendous verve and shows a seamless texture. Every working part of this wine (60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot and 8% Petit Verdot) creates not only complexity but a harmonious effect once on the palate. You are greeted immediately with the pillowy mouthfeel upon the attack. Layers of dark currants, tobacco leaf, red bell pepper, anise and chocolate cake all come together marvelously on the palate. This beautiful wine is delightfully hedonistic now but will cellar well for decades to come. If enjoying in its youth, be sure to give this beauty at least a two hour decant, as the wine evolved considerably after extensive air time. Drink 2022-2040- 97
Every bit dazzling even at the four year mark, the 2016 Colgin ‘Cariad’ Red Wine (WWB, 97) is a massively dense wine that embodies tremendous verve and shows a seamless texture. Every working part of this wine (60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot and 8% Petit Verdot) creates not only complexity but a harmonious effect once on the palate. You are greeted immediately with the pillowy mouthfeel upon the attack. Layers of dark currants, tobacco leaf, red bell pepper, anise and chocolate cake all come together marvelously on the palate. This beautiful wine is delightfully hedonistic now but will cellar well for decades to come. If enjoying in its youth, be sure to give this beauty at least a two hour decant, as the wine evolved considerably after extensive air time. Drink 2022-2040- 97
9.7
Matt
Blend of Thorveilos, Madrona Ranch (1986 Old Vine component), Lucia. Opaque, almost black with a ruby hue. Nose is expressive with ripe black fruits, layered with currant, overripe black berry and plum. Despite its richness there’s considerable non-fruit present, cedar, espresso, tar, violets, wet slate. Muscular, brooding if you will. Very dense, high tannin that envelope. Again black pushing blue fruit, graphite espresso and warm spices. The oak impact comes through on the finish, it is lengthy and departs toffee. Notes from 9.7.18
Blend of Thorveilos, Madrona Ranch (1986 Old Vine component), Lucia. Opaque, almost black with a ruby hue. Nose is expressive with ripe black fruits, layered with currant, overripe black berry and plum. Despite its richness there’s considerable non-fruit present, cedar, espresso, tar, violets, wet slate. Muscular, brooding if you will. Very dense, high tannin that envelope. Again black pushing blue fruit, graphite espresso and warm spices. The oak impact comes through on the finish, it is lengthy and departs toffee. Notes from 9.7.18
9.3
Matthew Bricker
Looks like a nice day!
Looks like a nice day!
9.4
See all reviews and ratings on Delectable WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.