Pritchard Hill, a majestic Vaca Mountains outcropping overlooking Napa Valley's eastern edge, is a viticultural treasure trove, home to such celebrated wineries as Bryant Family Vineyard, Chappellet, and Continuum Estate. With its steep, rocky slopes, Pritchard Hill has become synonymous with Napa's most powerful, complex, and age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignons. Among the esteemed wineries that call this enchanting region home, Colgin Cellars stands out for its reputation as a cult wine producer, crafting cherished and indulgent styles that have caught the attention of critics and consumers alike.
Colgin Cellars: A Pritchard Hill Icon
Colgin Cellars emerged as a trailblazer among the original California "cult wine" producers in the 1990s, influencing a transformative phase of winemaking in Napa Valley. Founded in 1992 by the influential pair Ann Colgin and Fred Schrader, the debut release of Colgin garnered significant acclaim, securing a commendable 96-point rating from Robert Parker and thrusting the estate into prominence. Over a short period, the duo separated, leading to the creation of Schrader Cellars. Colgin Cellars has long been at the forefront of Napa's eminent producers, converting single-vineyard and limited-production wines into distinct representations of Napa Valley.
In its early years, Colgin focused on producing a single style of Cabernet Sauvignon until expanding its holdings to include one of its crown jewels: the IX Estate. Acquired in 1998, this 20-acre vineyard, also referred to as "Number Nine Estate," is perched at an impressive 1,350 feet elevation, where rich volcanic soils impart a distinct character to the fruit.
Colgin Cellars Wines: From Tychson Hill to Colgin "Jubilation"
In its inception, Ann Colgin enlisted the dynamic collaboration of winemaker Helen Turley and vineyard manager David Abreu to spearhead Colgin Cellars' development. This esteemed partnership significantly influenced the initial success of the estate. Helen Turley's role was succeeded by her assistant, Mark Aubert, who assumed responsibility for all winemaking operations from 1998 to 2006. In 2006, Aubert passed the torch to the accomplished young winemaker Allison Tauziet, who continues to oversee all winemaking duties.
Presently, the estate crafts four distinct wines from three different vineyards. Two Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends, the Colgin Cariad and Colgin IX Estate, are derived from David Abreu's Madrona Ranch vineyard and Colgin's IX Estate vineyard, respectively. Their Tychson Hill vineyard is the exclusive source of a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon expression, while their IX Estate vineyard also produces a pure 100% Syrah.
A new style has joined the portfolio: Colgin Jubilation, which appeared in 2020 with the first release of the 2016 vintage. Jubilation is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based style sourced from Colgin's hillside vineyards and not from a single-site as with other Colgin bottlings. The wine is produced with the same care and attention as other Colgin styles, but is meant for more approachable and youthful enjoyment.
Colgin Wine: IX Estate Red
First produced in 2002, the IX Estate Red has become a benchmark for Pritchard Hill Cabernet-based wines. The cuvée typically features 40-60% Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, creating a harmonious blend featuring remarkable complexity. On the nose, the IX Estate Red entices with a captivating aromatic profile, weaving together dark fruits, savory herbs, and tantalizing spices. Every step in the winemaking process contributes to this powerful expression, including everything from the meticulous care in the vineyard to the lengthy aging process with lavish new French oak.
Colgin Tychson Hill
"...the Tychson Hill Cabernet is arguably [Colgin's] most “classic” and refined wine... The vineyard is planted on an unusual volcanic soil known as Aiken Very Stony Loam, to what Colgin calls “rockstar” Clone 4, the widely planted small-berried clone known for its consistent quality and its ability to accentuate the flavors of terroir wherever it is grown, plus the more “Old-World” Clone 337. Although the property is just off the valley floor on the western side of Highway 29, the vines are on a steep hillside that benefits from excellent drainage and from the cooler air that rolls down the hill. And of course the hills to the west protect the vines from the hot late-afternoon sun. The result is typically a vibrant, delineated wine with a floral element, subtle earth notes, firm structure and polished tannins." — Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media
Colgin's first vineyard purchase was the six-acre Tychson Hill site in 1996, set on the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains in St. Helena. Ann Colgin named the site after another legendary female Napa figure, Josephine Tychson, the second woman to own and operate a winery in the region. When blended, Colgin Tychson Hill is the estate's most feminine and elegant wine— a Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend with small hints of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.
Colgin Wine: Critical Acclaim & World-Class Status
The allure of the IX Estate Red lies in its ability to evolve and develop over time. The wine's powerful core of dark fruit is adorned with subtle notes of cedar, graphite, and earth, hinting at the depth of character that will emerge with years of bottle age. This potential has not gone unnoticed by critics, with the 2002, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2015 vintages all receiving perfect 100-point ratings. Regardless of vintage, the IX Estate Red consistently scores high marks, a testament to the unwavering quality of these consistently stellar wines.
Since its inception, Colgin has garnered an impressive fifty perfect 100-point scores from industry-leading critics. This unanimous acclaim solidifies Colgin's undisputed stature in quality and establishes it as the benchmark for Pritchard Hill. In 2005, Colgin Cellars achieved the rare accolade of being designated "One of the Fifty Greatest Wine Estates in the World" by Robert Parker.
Colgin Cellars IX Estate Reds
We boast a carefully-selected collection of Colgin IX Estate Reds that spans some of the top back-vintages, all boasting top scores with many 100-pointers. This is a rare opportunity to experience verticals of one of Napa Valley's premier cult wines while also taking advantage of our competitive pricing–many bottles are priced at nearly half the release price! Whether you're seeking a special occasion bottling or simply looking to expand your cellar with these iconic wines, explore the wines of Colgin Cellars today to discover the epitome of Pritchard Hill excellence.
Over time, Colgin Cellars has earned its esteemed reputation, undeniably reigning as the leader on Pritchard Hill. An extensive list of accolades aligns with the consensus among critics that Colgin endures as one of the world's foremost estates. Its limited production and location-specific wines underscore not only the commanding character of Cabernet Sauvignon but also its finesse. This signature Colgin wine style mirrors the evolving essence of their wines, distinct from the robust Cabernets favored by contemporaries.
Colgin Wine Prices: Cult-Status with Immense Value
Coglin Cellars wines are premium products and highly sought-after. While cult wines tend to fall in a category class of their own, Colgin wines represent immense value for Napa Valley enthusiasts. For committed collectors and connoisseurs of Napa Valley wines, Colgin constitutes an essential acquisition. If you aim to grace your cellar with the pinnacle of Pritchard Hill, your pursuit concludes right here.
