2008 Colgin, Tychson Hill, Napa Valley 1x750ml

Vinous 93+

Saturated medium ruby. Compelling, pure aromas of black raspberry, violet and ginger convey a rather cool quality. Juicy, gripping and penetrating; not an opulent wine but boasts outstanding definition and energy to its flavors of dark berries, flowers and licorice. Finishes youthfully tight, with firm-edged tannins and excellent length. Still needs time to unwind. [Stephen Tanzer, 04/01/2015]

Anticipated maturity: 2021-2033

Robert Parker 94

The dense purple-colored 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Tychson Hill Vineyard exhibits notes of cassis, charcoal and toast in a full-bodied, velvety textured, concentrated style. The tannins are ripe and the wine reveals impressive levels of richness as well as intensity. The final blend is virtually all Cabernet Sauvignon and the wine can be drunk now or cellared for 20 or more years. Proprietor Ann Colgin, her winemaker, Allison Tauziet, and consultant, Dr. Alain Raynaud, must be pleased with their 2008s and attractive 2009s, even though neither of these two vintages measures up to what they achieved in 2007, 2005, 2002 and 2001. The 2008s were all bottled in July, 2010. It’s hard to believe, but the Tychson Hill Vineyard on Route 29 just north of St. Helena is now 12 years old. 2009 was an overall cooler year, but the harvest at Colgin took place before the unprecedented 5- to 6-inch rainfalls hit Northern California in mid-October. Yields were normal across the board. In case you missed the reviews in issue of 186 (12-23-09), the just released bottled 2007s received the following scores: Cabernet Sauvignon Herb Lamb VINEYARD (97) (the last release from this site) Cabernet Sauvignon Tychson Hill (97+), Cariad (99), IX Proprietary Red (100), IX Syrah Estate (95). Tel. (707) 963-0999; Fax (707) 963-0996 [Robert M. Parker, Jr., 23/12/2010]