Colgin - Cariad 2012

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "A close second (and who knows how they might perform at different times and with different foods) is the 2012 Cariad Proprietary Red Wine, made from grapes grown by David Abreu at his estate vineyards in Napa. This blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 9% Petit Verdot shows notes of burning embers/charcoal, blackberry fruit, licorice and floral notes, followed by a full-bodied, dense, layered wine. It has great purity, wonderfully sweet, integrated tannin, and a voluptuous mouthfeel and finish of close to 50+ seconds. This is a stunner that can be drunk now or cellared for another 25-30 years."

JAMES SUCKLING: "Intense aromas of mushroom, earth and dried flowers follow through to a full body with juicy, rich and ripe tannins and a beautiful austerity. Very contrasty and structured. Balanced and powerful. Needs a lot of time to soften. 53% cabernet sauvignon, 26% merlot, 12% cabernet franc, and 9% petit verdot. Madrone Howell Mountain and Thorevilos from Abreu. Wait until 2021 to soften. March 2016 release."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Smoky, cigar box aromas coupled with scents of spicy cherries make up the nose. Luscious, sexy, rich and polished, the fruit is ripe, fresh, long and deep. If you like it young, feel free to pop a cork on this beauty."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Combines power and finesse, with an initial burst of chunky, chewy, extracted dark berry, cedar, lead pencil and savory herb flavors. Finishes strong and tannic, in a pleasant way. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2028. 800 cases made."