- CRITICAL REVIEWS
- WINEMAKER NOTES
Jeb Dunnuck
Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Vinous
2019 Colgin Cellars Cariad Red, Napa Valley, USA
TASTING NOTES
The 2019 “Cariad” bears a soulful mark of the land, with the polish and esteem of pristine fruit. A bevy of dark fruit flavors like blackberry, cherry, and black currant are woven together with generous notes of earth and spice. Commanding aromatics make way to reveal a wine loaded with the succulence of a tender cut of meat. Finely polished tannins melt across the palate as dark chocolate and herbal notes of mint build into the finish. Both classic and modern, the 2019 “Cariad” is a poignant example of the charm of this sophisticated vintage.
CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
The 2019 growing season paralleled the moderate season of 2018, with several, key elements distinguishing it both at the beginning and the end. An abundance of rainfall came in the winter of 2019 and continued into early May. Vines thrived under such verdant growing conditions. Enhancing the airflow of the vine by spacing out the shoots and adjusting leaves in the late spring was an important yet laborious element for success in 2019. Nature yielded vines with an abundant crop, a result of the extra soil moisture and nutrients. We adjusted crop size using strict criteria for cluster thinning to bring the vines into balance.
A peaceful summer ensued, leading us into ideal ripening conditions throughout September. In early October, a sequence of very cold nights downshifted the pace of ripening, just as the days were shortening. Harvest took place during the middle two weeks of October. The cold nights and cooler days captured freshness, infusing intensity of both flavor and perfume into the wines. Seamless tannins and a strikingly gliding texture define the wines of the 2019 vintage. Though not lacking for structure, the wines are complete in their youth, making for undeniable, immediate enjoyment. Patience in the cellar will only highlight their soaring aromatics, as the palpable fruit integrates with the more subtle savory character.