The 2019 Cariad is outrageously beautiful right out of the gate. Soaring aromatics and gorgeous fruit race out of the glass all supported by bright acids and vibrant tannins that lend energy. In 2019 the Cariad is truly exceptional. As always most of this fruit is from David Abreu's Madrona Ranch. There is a feeling of dimension and breadth here that is truly remarkable. - By Antonio Galloni on October 2021 I tasted a huge range of wines both young and older during my most recent visit with Ann Colgin Joe Wender Allison Tauziet and Paul Roberts. The 2019s are more than worthy follow-ups to the 2018s which incidentally are every bit as special as they were last year. Tauziet describes the difference between the two years as a difference in evening temperatures. While 2018 saw no heat spikes to speak of 2019 experienced wider diurnal shifts. The 2019s appear to have a little more density than 2018 but they are of course a year younger. As flashy as the Colgin wines can be young they don?t really start blossoming until around age ten or so.

One of the two perfect wines in the lineup the 2019 Cariad is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon 25% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot and Merlot all from David Abreu?s Madrona Ranch Vineyard. Brought up in two-thirds new French oak it has a regal noble full-bodied style that carries incredible tannins and balance as well as off-the-charts purity in its floral chocolate lead pencil and assorted red blue and black fruits. The tannins? quality is truly something and it?s rare to find a wine offering this level of purity balance and intensity at the same time. As with most 2019s it already offers ample pleasure yet smart money will give these 3-4 years and it?s capable of evolving for 30 to 40 years.

Cariad is Colgin?s stunning expression of David Abreu?s Madrona Ranch vineyard where the oldest plot is now 36 years old. Even more Cabernet Franc went into the blend this year giving the wine a captivating brightness. This 2019 simply shimmers! Composed of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon 25% Cabernet Franc 5% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot the deep purple-black colored 2019 Cariad opens with wonderfully fragrant earthy scents of dusty soil iron ore and crushed rocks over a core of black raspberries warm cassis red roses and juicy black plums plus hints of pencil shavings and bouquet garni. Full-bodied the palate features a rock-solid backbone of firm grainy tannins and loads of minerally sparks with beautiful freshness finishing very long and savory.

Fabulous aromas of forest flowers, currants and tobacco. Turns to tile and stone with some iron. Opulent, yet fresh. Fine, powdery tannins spread across the palate and show lots of blackberry, blueberry and conifer undertones. Iodine, too. A solid and layered wine. Try this after 2026.

Dark, winey and hefty but with a luxurious mouthfeel and an inner purity, as cassis, warmed plum and steeped black cherry notes form a core wound up with additional cast iron, dark tobacco and smoldering alder accents. The long finish has depth and drive, with the fruit and warm earth moving in lockstep. Serious juice. Cabernet Sauvignon. To be released March 2023. Best from 2024 through 2040. 750 cases made.