2017 Colgin Cariad

The 2017 Colgin Cariad is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot, with the grapes for "Cariad" sourced from old riverbeds that have been transformed into hillsides overlooking the heart of Napa Valley. "Cariad," named after the Welsh word for love, is characterized by its opulence and structure, with exotic notes of violets, dark fruits and a stony minerality.

The 2017 Cariad, composed of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, has a very deep purple-black colour. The wine jumps out of the glass with an irresistible first aroma of blueberry compote, plum preserves, licorice and fertile loam, with subtle hints of candied violets, mossy bark, oolong tea and cinnamon stick. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is surprisingly elegant with a firm backbone of ripe, fine-grained tannins and bold freshness. The layers of black fruit suggested on the nose are beautifully arranged and the wine finishes with a long, pungent note of iron ore.

FACT: The wine is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to pick up the wine you will often also receive a nice discount . You will see your discount immediately when you choose 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht almost next to the A16 with plenty of parking. Click here for our address and opening hours.

SOURCE: colgincellars.com/wines/ix-estate/

TASTING NOTES
The 2017 “Cariad” dances between exuberance and restraint. Deep notes of blackberry and licorice weave with warm spice flavors of curry, cumin, and cinnamon. Wet gravel, menthol, and chocolate notes imbue the wine with a pensive quality. On the palate, the wine's density and full texture of broad tannins evoke a strong similarity to recent vintages. Bolstered by the typical acidity of 2017, freshness and longevity abound in this vintage of “Cariad.”

CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
The 2017 vintage began with double the average rainfall in winter, refilling the water reserves, and delaying the beginning of the season. Warm weather in late April triggered a beautiful, rapid flowering, and an extended heat wave in late May forced vines to taper off growth and focus efforts on the berries. The summer of 2017 experienced a few, intense heat events, whose ultimate effect on our sites was to minimize the berry size and enhance concentration of the fruit. The balance between the canopy and the fruit in 2017 was unlike other years—the lusher than normal green shoots and leaves of springtime added extra protection to the crop during the frequent heat waves. Harvest began in the middle of September, with cold nights and sunny days, and continued at a rapid pace until its completion on October 6th.

In 2017, thoughtful decisions about canopy management, irrigation, crop thinning, and picking dates led us to craft wines that enhanced the strengths of this growing season, such as its aromatic complexity, greater natural acidity, and pleasurable structure—qualities that will guarantee a long evolution in bottle. In the near term, the wines of 2017 express an inward nature, yet they hold within them a resilient spirit.