Colgin - Cariad 2008

JAMES SUCKLING: "This shows such amazing aromas of porcini mushrooms with dark fruits and Chinese tea and smoke. Decadent. Changes all the time. Exotic. Full-bodied, with a round and soft texture. Long and very intense with fabulous fruit. So much going on. 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot 7% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot. Hard not to enjoy now but will improve with age."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Originally rated 95+, this dense opaque purple-colored blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot exhibits notes of chocolate fudge, mocha, black cherry, blackberry, licorice, smoke and toasty oak. Dense, full-bodied and chewy, it has not yet begun to reveal the nuances and complexity of other Cariad vintages. While it is a big, rich effort, I think it will develop along the lines of the 2000 and 2003, rather than reach the super qualitative level such as 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2007."

JANCIS ROBINSON: " Medium ruby. Knockout nose combines black raspberry, blackberry, licorice, minerals, violet, mocha, musky soil tones and subtle spices. Wonderfully dense but alive, with an impression of fresh acidity giving the palate clarity, energy and a light touch. Not at all a thick wine--in fact, even a bit imploded today. This stands out for its primary energy and finishing lift. As backward as it is, it already communicates a strong personality and nicely restrained sweetness. In a reticent phase and likely to be long-lived. Finishes with serious dusty, spicy tannins and excellent length."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Aromas of ripe blueberry, strawberry and red currant are engagingly complex and supple in this Cabernet blend, which is full-bodied, graceful and elegant, ending with a long seamless finish that picks up a touch of gravel and tobacco leaf. 54 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2022. 470 cases made."