Colgin - Cariad 2005

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "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."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: 98 THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Lots of fresh blackberries, licorice, coffee, oak and fresh earth on the nose. Silky, soft, plush and polished, there is a nice freshness coupled with an intensity of flavor and concentration. The stunning wine ends with a plethora of sweet, ripe, blackberries and plums."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "Cariad is an interesting Bordeaux blend, the ´05 consisting of Cab Sauvignon, Merlot, Cab Franc and Petit Verdot. 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."

JAMES SUCKLING: "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."

WINE SPECTATOR: "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. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. 900 cases made."