The blend that Colgin fashions from three vineyards owned by David Abreu (Madrona, Thorevilos and Howell Mountain) is called Cariad. The 2005 Proprietary Red Cariad consists of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc and 9% Petit Verdot. Offering up spring flowers and garden aromas, sweet blueberry and black raspberry fruit, a touch of charcoal embers, graphite and background toast, it is fleshy and full-bodied, and again, meriting a three-digit score. This is absolutely remarkable wine. As it sat in the glass, it developed some rather compelling chocolaty, licorice undertones. This is a great classic to drink over the next 20-25 years. By the way, for those interested, the cooperage generally chosen is dominated by Taransaud barrels, but there are at least four different coopers.Robert Parker | 100 RPThe Cariad is the most severe of the 2005s. Early signs of aromatic development are just starting to appear, but the 2005 remains quite backward, dense and brooding. There is an element of explosive energy in the 2005 that I find especially appealing. Hints of rose petal, mint, cherries, smoke and white pepper gradually unfurl in the glass, but 2005 still hasn't hit its stride.Vinous Media | 97 VMCariad is an interesting Bordeaux blend, the '05 consisting of Cab Sauvignon, Merlot, Cab Franc and Petit Verdot. It feels a little tentative now, as if the components are still learning how to mesh. There's a shy, tannic quality to the cherry, currant, chocolate and plum flavors, and a glyceriney mouthfeel that makes the wine slippery smooth. Give it a few years of cellaring, and it should perform well through 2017, at least.Wine Enthusiast | 95 WEThis is juicy, rich, and round. Aromas of sweet tobacco and cigar box. Full bodied, with notes of chocolate and a decadent mouthfeel. I love the depth and richness to this, very subtle and fascinating with so much going on.James Suckling | 94 JSRipe and intense, with firm, minerally tannins that have a dry, dusty edge wrapped about the earthy dried currant and black cherry fruit that's deep and concentrated, ending with a long, persistent finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2010 through 2017. 900 cases made.Wine Spectator | 94 WS
