Colgin’s First Wine, “Herb Lamb”
From 1992 to 2007, Colgin Cellars was fortunate to produce a wine from the hallowed Herb Lamb vineyard, a north facing site surrounded by a conifer forest on the lower slopes of Howell Mountain. For sixteen vintages, Colgin Cellars diligently selected fruit from the upper rows of this site to vinify for the “Herb Lamb” bottling. The wine from the Herb Lamb vineyard is consistently about charm and perfume, with notes of blue fruits and mint.
Discover Every Vintage
| Vintage | Character | High-Level Notes | Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr Peak |
Discover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr) |
Full Notes & Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Notes & Conditions | |||||
| 2007 | magnetic | Pure, chocolate, black cherry, graphite, unctuous | * | ||
Charactermagnetic High-Level NotesPure, chocolate, black cherry, graphite, unctuous Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr PeakDiscover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)*Tasting NotesColgin Cellars' final wine from the Herb Lamb Vineyard came from an outstanding vintage. In fact, the conditions in 2007 were absolutely ideal for this property, where the long, moderate season provided enough time to gently ripen the tannins, while still preserving the distinctive flavors that are expected from this vineyard. The 2007 "Herb Lamb" has an intense nose of licorice, chocolate mint, and cassis. Nuances of forest floor and loamy earth bring character to the wine. On the palate, the tannins have a lovely, coating quality, but are structured for long aging. The 2007 has perhaps the silkiest tannins of memory that continue to beguile the palate. Climatic ConditionsThe 2007 vintage was defined by an exceptional growing season from beginning to end. The Napa Valley received just 60% of normal rainfall, encouraging our vines to begin budbreak a week ahead of schedule. A mild spring followed, with several light rains that helped the vines to cope with the mild drought. Sunny, beautiful weather during bloom resulted in fruitful clusters that were uniform in size and maturity. A wonderfully moderate summer followed, with cooler than average temperatures, allowing for slow, even development of the berries. By late August, the berries were intensely pigmented and showing signs of outstanding quality. A brief heat wave around Labor Day resulted in our earliest picking of Merlot ever at Colgin. But, cool weather soon followed, allowing the Cabernet to mature longer, and to develop ripe tannins, at lower sugar levels, with great natural acidity. Overall, the 2007 vintage was truly a winemaker’s dream. The wines are defined by their intense color, their deep aromatics, and their coating and supple tannins. |
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| 2006 | sculpted | Magnolia, soy, black licorice, grilled game, fine | * | ||
Charactersculpted High-Level NotesMagnolia, soy, black licorice, grilled game, fine Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr PeakDiscover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)*Tasting NotesThe 2006 "Herb Lamb" has a dark, brooding nose of licorice, savory meats, and blue fruits. Subtle nuances of toffee and orange zest flirt in and out of the nose. This wine has a broad entry, with full bodied tannins that are both fine grained and beautifully layered, a classic signature to this vintage. Climatic ConditionsThe 2006 vintage began a bit slower than the average year. With a wetter winter, soils took longer to dry out, and vines began to wake up in April, several weeks later than usual. By early June, vines were making up time thanks to a beautifully moderate spring. A heat wave in July helped signal to the vines that summer had arrived, telling them to slow their growth, and begin the focus on ripening their fruit. A beautiful summer followed, and warmer temperatures in October helped to develop intense color and ripe, soft tannins. The wines of the 2006 vintage are all defined by their bright aromatics, fresh acidities, and great balance. |
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| 2005 | mysterious | Round, chocolate, leather, wet earth, smooth | * | ||
Charactermysterious High-Level NotesRound, chocolate, leather, wet earth, smooth Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr Peak*Discover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)Tasting NotesThrough skillful pruning and careful management of the vines, 2005 marked the highest quality fruit to date from this special site, thinning the fruit to record low levels, making for the smallest production ever of this wine. From day one, the 2005 "Herb Lamb" has been an incredibly fragrant wine. With a beautiful ruby pitch, the wine shows an amazing concentration of flavors. Earthy notes of truffle and forest floor intermingle with brooding aromas of black fruits, resin, chocolate mint and smoked meats-- truly seductive. The wine is at once supple and rich, revealing great breadth across the palate. Climatic ConditionsTypical, winter rains halted early, leaving a dry, mild March, but spring rains returned, with frequency, through June, delaying the fruit set. The summer was temperate, with few heat events, yielding one of the most bountiful crops since 1997. Thinning was key to achieve ripeness and flavor development. Mild days and cool nights continued after veraison, allowing ample time for flavor development. The wines of the 2005 vintage display elegant richness and impeccably balanced acidities. |
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| 2004 | provocative | Orange liqueur, tobacco, gravelly, chocolate mint, supple | * | ||
Characterprovocative High-Level NotesOrange liqueur, tobacco, gravelly, chocolate mint, supple Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr Peak*Discover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)Tasting NotesThe 2004 vintage marks a new era in the Herb Lamb vineyard for Colgin Cellars, where significant canopy management changes and further yield reduction, provided a bottling of "Herb Lamb" with incredible intensity. This is "Herb Lamb" to the power of 10. A richly organic nose of earth, cracked pepper, and forest floor pervade the senses, as lush fruit aromas of plum and ripe cherries breath in and out of the wine. On the palate this explodes with sweet, chalky layers of tannin. Because of the northeast facing slopes where they reside, the limited sun exposure allows the vines to produce fruit with true "vin de garde," or "wine to age," tannins. Climatic ConditionsThe 2004 vintage will be remembered for its early growing season. Warm yet even summer weather was bracketed by an early spring bud break and several, late summer heat events, creating conditions that allowed for one of the earliest harvests in nearly a decade. The fruit bears the imprint of that early spring, and a slow and steady maturation, which concluded with a fast, hot finish, resulting in wines with impeccable intensity. |
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| 2003 | undaunted | Red licorice, baking spices, fresh, balanced, tempered | * | ||
Characterundaunted High-Level NotesRed licorice, baking spices, fresh, balanced, tempered Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr Peak*Discover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)Tasting NotesIn 2003, fruit from Herb Lamb was the last fruit brought into the winery and the prolonged maturation resulted in a unique aromatic profile. A vibrant clarity of aromatics of black cherries and raspberries lead to earthy notes. The palate moves to exotic spices and cured meats with pure richness framed by ripe, supple tannins and a fine acid structure. Climatic ConditionsThe unpredictable nature of the 2003 growing season began with a series of heat events in March, proceeded by a wet April. A long, cool summer allowed a beautiful evolution of flavor in the fruit, ahead of sugar accumulation. Heat returned in September, spurring harvest forward after many expected a late year. The 2003 vintage emerged with tremendous character and longevity after several challenges. |
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| 2002 | charismatic | Raspberry, cocoa, multifaceted, velvety | * | ||
Charactercharismatic High-Level NotesRaspberry, cocoa, multifaceted, velvety Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr Peak*Discover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)Tasting NotesThe 2002 vintage will be remembered for many great things: the ease at which harvest progressed, cool nights, and the long maturation time for the vines, all of which combined to produce some of the most complex grapes in recent history. In 2002, Herb Lamb was the last vineyard harvested by Colgin resulting in uniquely aromatic wines. 2002 represents the eleventh vintage of this single vineyard wine and the first "Herb Lamb" produced at Colgin's own winery. Vibrant and intense aromatics of fresh, red skinned fruits, such as cherries and raspberries lead to earthy, soil driven notes. Exotic spices and barbecue meats can also be found in this complex and enticing wine. The mouthfeel is pure richness framed by ripe, supple tannins and a fine acid structure. Climatic ConditionsThe 2002 vintage will be remembered by a lengthy and mild growing season, followed by warm weather near the end of September that encouraged ripening and condensed the harvest. An early April frost and May rains gave way to a moderate summer with ideal growing conditions—warm days and cool, or even cold nights. Overall, the crop was balanced, showing vibrant, intense colors, and flavor concentration. |
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| 2001 | driven | Black cherry, cracked pepper, cassis, persistent | * | ||
Characterdriven High-Level NotesBlack cherry, cracked pepper, cassis, persistent Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr Peak*Discover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)Tasting NotesThe celebratory tenth vintage of "Herb Lamb" provides outstanding complexity for a single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Characterized by enticing aromas of red cherries set in a floral bouquet of intermingling, ripe, essences of berry fruits, the wine conveys the hedonism of a warm vintage. There is no shortage of ripe, sweet tannins intermixed with glycerin top notes. Climatic ConditionsAn early spring, a surprise frost, and early heat events led to a whirlwind growing season in the 2001 vintage. The high variability in temperatures began with a cold, harsh March, which included two deceptive heat spikes that coaxed the vines into a slightly earlier bloom. The hottest May on record, at the time, followed by an equally warm June, gave way to a cooler August with near-perfect days and distinctly cool nights. The fruit then settled for an extended maturation, though the heat early in the season led to harvest’s start two to three weeks ahead of schedule. The 2001 growing season produced deeply pleasurable wines reminiscent of few others. While yields were minuscule, the wines produced are exceptional and long-lasting. |
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| 2000 | stately | Dried plum, potpourri, succulent, sea breeze, silky | * | ||
Characterstately High-Level NotesDried plum, potpourri, succulent, sea breeze, silky Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr Peak*Discover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)Tasting NotesThe 2000 Colgin "Herb Lamb" is the ninth vintage we have produced from this steep, north-facing hillside vineyard. Discover a candied nose, with ripe cherries and a sweet caressing palate that belies ample complexity. The wine is reminiscent of a classic, ripe vintage in Bordeaux, possessing good structure and a long finish with evidence of ripe, integrated tannins. Sweet fruit intermingles with earthiness and floral notes to give the wine captivating aromas. Climatic ConditionsThe 21st Century in the Napa Valley began with an idyllic vintage. A spring and summer free from climatic challenges yielded fruit of exceptional quality. The 2000 vintage was defined by a cool, even growing season throughout, except for a three-day stretch of unusually high temperatures in June. The threat of rain loomed in late August, but the vineyards were spared. Harvest began in mid-September and carried through the third week of October. The wines of the 2000 vintage carry tremendous balance and complexity. |
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| 1999 | lovely | Sappy, floral, red plum, creamy, soft | * | ||
Characterlovely High-Level NotesSappy, floral, red plum, creamy, soft Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr Peak*Discover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)Tasting NotesThe 1999 vintage of "Herb Lamb" is the smallest to date. A selective replanting process instigated by vineyard owner Herb Lamb coupled with meticulous sorting of the fruit yielded an extremely limited production. Elements of high-tone black skinned fruits intermingle with an essence of fresh earth and even a hint of white pepper, tobacco, and exotic spices. Smoky, volcanic, tar, graphite, damson plum, game, and meaty remain. This dark wine has chunkier tannins, which are quite well integrated, as the wine continues to improve. Climatic ConditionsA cool, prolonged spring gave way to a mild summer where a balanced season unfolded. A sole heat event occurred in the first part of July, permitting the 1999 vintage to experience a lengthy maturation under rather ideal conditions. Harvest commenced following a weekend of intense heat in late September, continuing through October, and concluding the first week of November, due to the temperate nature of the season as a whole. The resulting wines possess impressive concentration and a strong backbone of acidity. |
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| 1998 | mature | Iron, black olive, floral, plum | * | ||
Charactermature High-Level NotesIron, black olive, floral, plum Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr Peak*Discover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)Tasting NotesA challenging vintage offers a vintage of "Herb Lamb" with a lighter nose of herbs, sour cherry, plum, cigar, and spice. Elegance and airiness remain on the palate. |
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| 1997 | seductive | Dark blackberry, chocolate, luxurious | * | ||
Characterseductive High-Level NotesDark blackberry, chocolate, luxurious Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr Peak*Discover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)Tasting NotesDense and rich aromas of roasted coffee, plum jam, and cherry compote show in this blockbuster vintage. A mammoth of a wine, still, with a broad palate and lengthy finish. |
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| 1996 | refined | Perfume, blueberry, forest air, seamless | * | ||
Characterrefined High-Level NotesPerfume, blueberry, forest air, seamless Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr Peak*Discover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)Tasting NotesYoung and intense still on the nose with blackberry, dark cherry, plum, toast, and a cool mint top note. Tighter grained tannins imply it will continue to improve and round out in the bottle. |
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| 1995 | lively | Plummy, dark, vivid, sensuous | * | ||
Characterlively High-Level NotesPlummy, dark, vivid, sensuous Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr Peak*Discover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)Tasting NotesRipe black cherry, cola, blackberry, vanilla, and earth. Dense and chewy on the palate with delicious, mouthwatering acidity, and a 60-second plus finish. With such freshness, this wine continues to perform at its plateau of maturity. |
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| 1994 | tailored | Cassis, violets, talc, silky | * | ||
Charactertailored High-Level NotesCassis, violets, talc, silky Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr Peak*Discover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)Tasting NotesExplosive aromatics of cherry, black plums, cassis, roasted coffee, tobacco leaf, and bitter chocolate abound. Very rich and dense in the mouth, this wine has perhaps yet to reach its peak. |
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| 1993 | transluscent | Vibrant, blueberry, earth, suave | * | ||
Charactertransluscent High-Level NotesVibrant, blueberry, earth, suave Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr Peak*Discover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)Tasting NotesDried cranberry, plum, fennel, tobacco, and spicy oak notes on the nose along with the tight-grained tannins give this wine a Bordeaux-like feel. The wine is showing beautifully right now, with ample freshness to continue to hold in the cellar. |
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| 1992 | timeless | Raspberry, floral, refined, silky, gliding | * | ||
Charactertimeless High-Level NotesRaspberry, floral, refined, silky, gliding Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr Peak*Discover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)Tasting NotesColgin's debut wine is holding up tremendously well, with aromas of plum, graphite, wet earth, dried currant, and leather saddle. There is a wonderful integration of tannins, bracing acidity, and a very long finish that persists to this day. |
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