2005 Colgin Cellars, Cariad, Napa Valley, Case of 12 btls

RP100 "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 Jun 2015

Robert Parker writes, "Things are changing at this stunningly beautiful winery and estate (around 20 acres at the home property) overlooking Lake Hennessey at an elevation of 900-1,000 feet. The famed wine consultant Dr. Alain Raynaud from Bordeaux remains a fixture as an outside influence coming in to lend his expertise, but well-known winemaker Mark Aubert has left the premises, replaced by his assistant Allison Tauziet. The vineyard manager for the stars and mega-millionaires of Napa, David Abreu, remains in charge of overseeing everything from pruning to canopy management to crop-thinning decisions, and as everyone knows, he is a perfectionist. And of course, the guiding lights remain the proprietors, Ann Colgin, and her husband, Joe Wender." Published Dec 27, 2007