Colgin - Tychson Hill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Opaque purple-black in color, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Tychson Hill Vineyard jumps from the glass with bold, gregarious scents of blueberry compote, black cherry preserves and warm cassis plus nuances of roses, star anise and candied violets with gentle wafts of dark chocolate and cinnamon. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is super intense with a whole fireworks display of floral sparks going off among the red and black fruits, framed by exquisitely ripe, finely pixilated tannins, finishing long and mineral laced. This edifying beauty takes Napa Valley elegance and grace to a whole new level." (Lisa Perrotti-Brown)

JAMES SUCKLING: "Gorgeous dark-fruit aromas with blackcurrants, mushrooms, bark and flowers. Jasmine. Full-bodied with wonderfully fine tannins. Finishes so long and agile. Sort of cloud-like. Blackberry and dark chocolate at the end. Totally integrated tannins. You feel them, but you don’t see them. Unique experience tasting this. A classic in the making. Cabernet sauvignon with a touch of petit verdot and cabernet franc. Try after 2027."

JEB DUNNUCK: "The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Tychson Hill is straight-up off-the-charts and one of the true gems in the vintage. Revealing a deep purple hue as well as extraordinary notes of crème de cassis, white flowers, spice, tobacco, and classy oak, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, no hard edges, and just perfect integration of its fruit, tannins, and acidity. I’d happily enjoy a bottle today, but smart money would give these a solid 4-5 years in the cellar and it should keep for 30-40 years."

FALSTAFF: Falstaff:"Ein undurchsichtiges, tiefes Rot im Glas, das an frische Brombeeren und einen hellen, beerigen Duft erinnert. Der Gaumen ist dicht und entfaltet sich wie ein Ballen glänzender, weicher Seide. Die Tannine sind fest verwoben, aber vorzüglich fein und reif und werden erst aum Angang trocken. Die Frucht ist reich und üppig, aber auch frisch und fein. Anklänge von Heidelbeeren tauchen auf. Im langen Abgang, der auch ein Echo von feinem Kakao enthält, ist nur ein wenig alkoholische Wärme zu spüren."

WINE SPECTATOR: "A beauty, with waves of cassis, distilled plum and warmed kirsch that glide through, carried by seemingly silky texture despite obvious tannic spine. The back end unfurls with notes of violet, incense, and red and black tea, with a subtle mineral edge, while the fruit holds the main focus. So much guile for a large-scaled wine. Best from 2022 through 2040. 600 cases made."

DECANTER: Opaque red. The nose is reserved, with brooding aromas of plums, blackcurrants, and mint, and a dscreet oaky sheen. Sleek, spicy, and very concentrated, this doesn't show any excessive alcohol, but there is something hollow and neutural about the palate at this stage, and the finish is long but distinctly oaky.