Colgin Cellars

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. Positioned atop Pritchard Hill, Colgin Cellars stands as an emblematic presence in the Valley, boasting a roster of esteemed former winemakers.

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. Over the years, the estate's quality has consistently progressed, and today, Colgin wines exemplify a refined expression of Napa Valley, elegantly balancing strength and finesse.

Colgin Cellars: A Pritchard Hill Icon

Colgin was founded in 1992 by the influential pair Ann Colgin and Fred Schrader. Over a short period, the duo separated, leading to the creation of Schrader Cellars. The debut release of Colgin garnered significant acclaim, securing a commendable 96-point rating from Robert Parker, thrusting the estate into prominence. 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 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.

Crafting Excellence

During this period, Ann Colgin lacked ownership of vineyards and access to her own production facility. The early vintages of Colgin wines were exclusively produced from Howell Mountain's Herb Lamb vineyard. Presently, the estate crafts four distinct wines from three different vineyards. Two Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends, the Cariad and 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.

Choosing 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.

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.

Written by: Craig Headding