2005 Colgin "Cariad" Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend

SKU #1064306 100 points Wine Advocate

Outer quote mark The blend that Colgin fashions from three vineyards owned by David Abreu (Madrona, Thorevilos and Howell Mountain) is called Cariad. The 2005 Proprietary Red Cariad consists of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc and 9% Petit Verdot. Offering up spring flowers and garden aromas, sweet blueberry and black raspberry fruit, a touch of charcoal embers, graphite and background toast, it is fleshy and full-bodied, and again, meriting a three-digit score. This is absolutely remarkable wine. As it sat in the glass, it developed some rather compelling chocolaty, licorice undertones. This is a great classic to drink over the next 20-25 years. By the way, for those interested, the cooperage generally chosen is dominated by Taransaud barrels, but there are at least four different coopers. (RP) Inner quote mark (6/2015)

97 points Vinous

Outer quote mark The Cariad is the most severe of the 2005s. Early signs of aromatic development are just starting to appear, but the 2005 remains quite backward, dense and brooding. There is an element of explosive energy in the 2005 that I find especially appealing. Hints of rose petal, mint, cherries, smoke and white pepper gradually unfurl in the glass, but 2005 still hasn't hit its stride. (AG) Inner quote mark (4/2016)

95 points Wine Enthusiast

Outer quote mark It feels a little tentative now, as if the components are still learning how to mesh. There’s a shy, tannic quality to the cherry, currant, chocolate and plum flavors, and a glyceriney mouthfeel that makes the wine slippery smooth. Inner quote mark (6/2008)

94 points James Suckling

Outer quote mark This is juicy, rich, and round. Aromas of sweet tobacco and cigar box. Full bodied, with notes of chocolate and a decadent mouthfeel. I love the depth and richness to this, very subtle and fascinating with so much going on. Inner quote mark (2/2011)

94 points Int'l Wine Cellar

Outer quote mark Highly nuanced nose offers raspberry, violet, minerals, licorice, mocha, tobacco and flowers, plus a whiff of game. Large-scaled, fat and rich; a bit plumper and more oily in the middle than the Tychson Hill and Herb Lamb offerings but ultimately less nuanced. But this impressively sweet and sexy wine is a no-brainer for those who can find and afford it. Finishes broad and spicy, with very fine-grained tannins. This is mostly from vines planted in the late '80s in Madrona Vineyard. (ST) Inner quote mark (5/2008)

94 points Wine Spectator

Outer quote mark Ripe and intense, with firm, minerally tannins that have a dry, dusty edge wrapped about the earthy dried currant and black cherry fruit that's deep and concentrated, ending with a long, persistent finish. (JL) Inner quote mark (10/2008)

K&L Notes

Highly sought after and always in short supply, Colgin Cellars is a California wine collector's dream producer. Sold by the winery directly at release, we are often able to obtain these wines from selected private cellars. If you're not lucky enough to be on the Colgin mailing list, here's your chance to live like you are!


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Price: $549.99

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