2012 Cariad

Colgin fans can look forward to two exceptional vintages in these 2012s and 2013s. In 2012 the harvest was quite long and stretched an entire month, from September 20 to October 20. The 2012s bring together expressive aromatics and gorgeous, radiant fruit. As good as the 2012s are, the 2013s take things to another level with their pure, unbridled energy and pulsating fruit. As always, these wines are made in tiny quantities, but readers can at least look forward to a little more Tychson Hill Cabernet as Ann Colgin and her husband Joe Wender develop a plot adjacent to that site over the coming years. Long-time winemaker Allison Tauziet shares her thoughts on the 2013 vintage in this short video.

Winemaker Allison Tauziet has done a fabulous job with her 2011s, but that isn't totally surprising, as I have had the chance to taste these wines from barrel every six months with Tauziet, proprietors Ann Colgin and Joe Wender, and their new COO, Paul Roberts, who moved over from BOND last year. The 2011s from IX Estate have always been superb, as this site on Pritchard Hill sits above the fog and drains well, both critical in 2011. The Cabernet Sauvignon from Tychson Hill is without question the wine that has come the farthest over the last two years, as it was incredibly raw and disjointed for much of its early life. In 2011 yields were down about 30%, not terrible for a year in which many producers suffered far more devastating losses. The 2012s are typical of the year in their silky, racy personalities. The 2011s and 2012s resemble the 2001s and 2002s respectively. Readers who want to learn more about the 2011s might enjoy this short video interview with Tauziet in the Colgin cellar. Tauziet shares her views on 2012 straight from the sorting table in this video.