“Cariad”
Rocky hillsides overlooking the heart of Napa Valley
A singular expression of Cabernet Sauvignon that hails from a historic jewel box vineyard; “Tychson Hill,” named after Josephine Tychson, was the first of two vineyards purchased by Colgin in the 1990s.
Ideally situated in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains, just north of St. Helena, containing some of the rarest volcanic soil found in the Napa Valley, “Tychson Hill” has long been celebrated for its ethereal qualities, as well as floral notes, and red fruit distinguishable in every vintage.
Vintage | Character | High-Level Notes | Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr Peak |
Discover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr) |
Full Notes & Conditions |
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Full Notes & Conditions | |||||
2021 | vivacious | Briar, sweet cherry, incense, dried flowers, energetic | * | ||
Charactervivacious High-Level NotesBriar, sweet cherry, incense, dried flowers, energetic Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr PeakDiscover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)*Tasting NotesThe 2021 “Tychson Hill” exudes delectably bright notes of freshly picked fruit. Raspberry, blackberry and succulent sweet cherries burst with flavor in the wine. Woven with subtle dried flowers and scents of delicate incense, the 2021 vintage is a scintillating exploration of complex flavors. Silky smooth tannins coat the palate while an energetic acidity brings an invigorating balance to the wine. Perfumed and long, the wine brings into focus both the freshness and the intensity yielded by such a distinguished vintage. Climatic ConditionsThe 2021 growing season yielded fruit extraordinarily rich in character and concentration. A decrease in rainfall in the wintertime, just half of normal, set the stage for a precocious season. The soil warmed earlier, leading vines on an accelerated timeline for the season. Summer unfolded with just one heat event in late June after the summer solstice. The remainder of the season was moderate, but momentum still gained in late summer, leading to a fast-paced harvest in September and October. As moisture was low in the soil in 2021, it was essential to maintain an awareness of the nutrition of the vines. A healthy soil with adequate nutrients and minerals ensures fruitfulness of the crop and a harmonious ripening of not just the vintage in progress, but also those to follow. Our perennial strategy of ensuring a thriving microbiology in the soils enhanced the success of the 2021 vintage at Colgin. For many years, the use of compost, organic inputs, and annual cover crops that capture nitrogen from the atmosphere for tillage into the soil, have verified that our commitment to organic farming is not just beneficial for our environment, but in 2021, we see it also ensured the sustainability and quality of our crop. The moderate weather of the season ensured every aspect of nuance in the fruit was well captured. Across all sites, fruit was in impeccable condition. The modest rainfall of the season culminated in the vines producing small berries brimming with flavor and color. The 2021 vintage has appeal in every facet- aroma, texture, and taste, in just the right amounts. Site driven flavors of mineral, flora and fauna are maximized in this vintage, with varietal flavors naturally infused in the wines. |
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2019 | perpetual | Dark red berries, graphite, silken, centered | * | ||
Characterperpetual High-Level NotesDark red berries, graphite, silken, centered Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr PeakDiscover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)*Tasting NotesThe 2019 “Tychson Hill” exhibits a poetic balance of lively aromatics and minerality that is undeniably compelling. Centered around classic Cabernet Sauvignon flavors, the wine demonstrates a perfect pirouette of dark red berries, cherry pit, melting chocolate, and graphite. Suave layers of silken tannin unfold on the palate, yielding a finish both subtly sweet and savory. Full of textural density though never heavy, the 2019 “Tychson Hill” dances across the palate. Climatic ConditionsThe 2019 growing season paralleled the moderate season of 2018, with several, key elements distinguishing it both at the beginning and the end. An abundance of rainfall came in the winter of 2019 and continued into early May. Vines thrived under such verdant growing conditions. Enhancing the airflow of the vine by spacing out the shoots and adjusting leaves in the late spring was an important yet laborious element for success in 2019. Nature yielded vines with an abundant crop, a result of the extra soil moisture and nutrients. We adjusted crop size using strict criteria for cluster thinning to bring the vines into balance. A peaceful summer ensued, leading us into ideal ripening conditions throughout September. In early October, a sequence of very cold nights downshifted the pace of ripening, just as the days were shortening. Harvest took place during the middle two weeks of October. The cold nights and cooler days captured freshness, infusing intensity of both flavor and perfume into the wines. Seamless tannins and a strikingly gliding texture define the wines of the 2019 vintage. Though not lacking for structure, the wines are complete in their youth, making for undeniable, immediate enjoyment. Patience in the cellar will only highlight their soaring aromatics, as the palpable fruit integrates with the more subtle savory character. |
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2018 | agile | Black cherry, jasmine, hibiscus, full, floating texture | * | ||
Characteragile High-Level NotesBlack cherry, jasmine, hibiscus, full, floating texture Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr PeakDiscover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)*Tasting NotesThe 2018 "Tychson Hill" is deeply colored and laden with vibrant aromatics. Black and red fruits coalesce with its intense floral perfume. Cassis and black cherry are lifted with bright notes of hibiscus and blood orange. Silky, unctuous tannins glide across the palate with a velvety mouthfeel. A voluminous, floating texture gives the sensation of fullness and polish. Climatic ConditionsThe 2018 growing season in Napa Valley will be remembered for its mild weather throughout the year. The dormant season of winter, however, began with an unusually dry spell. Half of the rain we received did not arrive until after March 1st. A modest 20 inches in total, slightly below our average. By mid-April, the rains ceased and a contented season in the vineyard unfolded. Perhaps the biggest challenge to the entire season was the burgeoning grasses on the vineyard floor, a sign of the healthy soils. Weather in May was cool, giving us moderate growth of the vines. A few sprinkles of rain occurred at the tail end, causing some flowers to shatter during bloom, resulting in looser clusters at harvest. Temperatures for the remainder of the season were incredibly mild. Much like 2013 and 2016, there was only 1 day over 100 degrees at the IX Estate for the entire year. The first fruit was harvested the last week in September and was followed by a rain event in the first days of October. Drying winds coupled with our timely removal of leaves enhanced airflow around the clusters. After a one week pause, we began harvesting once again the second week of October. The photogenic clusters harvested in 2018 had dark blue plump berries rich in flavor. The wines of this vintage are classic and pure, with a spectrum of flavor and are aromatically pixelated. They exhibit an intellectual character which displays distinct moods with time in the glass. Counter to some vintages, the 2018s transform from savory aromatics into deeply fruity aromatics rather than vice versa. As they open, their well-defined, firm tannins evolve into a very full, velvety texture. |
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2017 | nostalgic | Slate, roses, red cherry, bright, textural, lasting | * | ||
Characternostalgic High-Level NotesSlate, roses, red cherry, bright, textural, lasting Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr PeakDiscover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)*Tasting NotesThe 2017 “Tychson Hill” reflects a deeper, darker element with flavors of black cherry, black currant, and molten chocolate. With purity and clarity, the wine unfolds with intricacy across the palate. The texture is supported by great tannins with a dusted cocoa sensation. The balance between sweet ripe tannins and a crystalline acidity gives the wine a calculated feeling of precision. These attributes ensure the 2017 “Tychson Hill” has an extended ability to age. Climatic ConditionsThe 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. |
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2016 | zen | Effortless, raspberry preserves, graphite, vanilla bean, persistent | * | ||
Characterzen High-Level NotesEffortless, raspberry preserves, graphite, vanilla bean, persistent Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr PeakDiscover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)*Tasting NotesThe pure expression of fruit and mineral in the 2016 “Tychson Hill” shows the energy of the vintage. The ideal growing season of 2016 imparts into the wine an innate delicacy and opulence. Brimming with black cherry, plum, and black currant, the 2016 vintage exudes the classic flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon. Compelling notes of cobblestones and graphite meld with a graceful lift of talc and floral. A harmonious texture of seamless tannins builds in breadth and layers as the wine glides across the palate. Climatic ConditionsThe winter of 2016 began with steady rainfall, bringing small doses over the entire winter and ending with a very rainy beginning of March. Following a sequence of drought vintages beginning in 2012, the wet winter brought a final reprieve from dry conditions. Budbreak arrived shortly thereafter as vines began a season that restored balance to vine and soil health. Steady shoot growth followed in April, and warm weather took hold in May during the blooming period. This healthy start to the season was a blessing, but the incredible weather that followed in the summer and fall would become the story of the vintage. We began harvest under foggy conditions in the middle of September. The mild nature of the remainder of the season would serve to retain flavor nuances and accumulate heightened amounts of color in the grape skins. Fruit condition over the entirety of harvest was impeccable. Supple skinned berries bursting with flavor and color extracted to form wines of freshness and vibrancy with an intensely harmonious palate. The wines of the 2016 vintage are thrilling and multifaceted- every nuance of delectable fruit is matched by vivid notes of each distinctive terroir. |
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2015 | harmonious | Concentrated, bushels of red fruit, anise, cinnamon, cashmere | * | ||
Characterharmonious High-Level NotesConcentrated, bushels of red fruit, anise, cinnamon, cashmere Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr PeakDiscover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)*Tasting NotesThe 2015 “Tychson Hill” is a mesmerizing wine, balancing intensely fragrant ripe fruits with nuanced soft floral notes. The 2015 season accentuates the subtleties into one magnificent bouquet, showing a more deeply concentrated side of “Tychson Hill.” Black cherry chocolate truffle and macerated blackberries jump out of the glass, followed by pure notes of fresh roses, honeysuckle, and fennel. Layers of finesse tannin softly coat the palate. The richness disguises the structure underneath, finishing with a lingering flowery perfume. Climatic Conditions2015 continued the streak of exquisite vintages produced from the extended drought that began in 2013 in the Napa Valley. Much of the rain for the 2015 season came before winter even began. A long pause, until early February, followed, when a large storm came. These alternating wet and dry conditions, combined with a warm winter, led to an early budbreak at the beginning of March. A long, cool spring ensued, bringing sporadic growing conditions leading into bloom. Uneven weather during flowering led to very light clusters with few berries, delivering a small crop. What began as a challenge ultimately resulted in a blessing. The small crop with tiny berries ripened quickly over the warm summer and fall, bringing fruit with vivid color and exciting levels of flavor. We crafted the 2015 vintage with an emphasis on preserving the aromatic exuberance of the wines. The lush textures and inky color in the nascent wines guided us toward gentler extraction that would preserve the wine’s balance and let the energy shine through. |
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2014 | vibrant | Red plum, vivid, jasmine, intense, unctuous | * | ||
Charactervibrant High-Level NotesRed plum, vivid, jasmine, intense, unctuous Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr PeakDiscover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)*Tasting NotesThe 2014 “Tychson Hill” demonstrates the freshness of the vintage with its layers of floral scents such as roses, wildflowers, jasmine, and violets. This wine shows great precision with notes of blackberry and dark cherry balanced with a fresh acidity on the palate. Graphite and a strong sense of mineral add poise to this exuberant and flavorful vintage. The polished tannins are lush and decadent with intensely vibrant flavors that carry to a long finish. Climatic ConditionsThe wines of 2014 have an immense sense of purity. The mild weather of the 2014 season produced wines with a sophistication that beautifully balances elegance with true power. The superbly delineated flavors are both fresh and fully ripe. A harmonious quality is apparent in the suave texture of these wines. The 2014 vintage seductively draws you in, then piques your curiosity, and keeps you returning repeatedly for more. Following the unseasonably dry 2013 vintage, 2014 began with one of the driest Januarys in recent history. It was not until February that we received the bulk of our wet weather. Despite all the references to a drought, perhaps what made an even bigger imprint on the 2014 season was the warmth we experienced throughout the winter. As both factors combined, we began one of the earliest growing seasons since 2005. As spring and summer unfolded, we saw marginally warmer temperatures all year long, yet we experienced very few heat waves. The vines set a beautiful crop, and it was no surprise that 2014 led to one of our earliest harvests, beginning on August 29. Berries were plump and fresh as they were harvested. As the wines evolved in the cellar, we observed how their flavors spanned a broad spectrum—from powerful, dark fruits, to classic and subtle Napa Valley herbal and earth notes, reminiscent of an earlier era. With their silky textures developing over the course of the fermentation, we extracted the wines using longer, slower macerations, adding to their nuance and length. 2014 stands apart from its predecessors in that it captures the supple, dense qualities of a warm vintage, married with the perfumed characteristics of a cooler vintage. Such qualities harken back to exemplary vintages like 2005, and even further back to the age-worthy 1995. |
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2013 | compelling | Sumptuous, ripe red fruits, nectar, deep and rich | * | ||
Charactercompelling High-Level NotesSumptuous, ripe red fruits, nectar, deep and rich Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr PeakDiscover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)*Tasting NotesThe 2013 “Tychson Hill” perfectly demonstrates the black cherry and rich red raspberry characters consistently found in this wine. The aromas in this exquisite wine are layered with notes of graphite, jasmine, and exotic vanilla. The seamlessness, elegance, and floral lift form a perfect composition of beauty and power, with refinement. Climatic ConditionsWith the ideal blend of cool and warm weather at the right time, the 2013 growing season gave us perfectly ripened fruit, with purely preserved flavors, and inky grape skins. What was somewhat atypical about 2013 was the rainfall pattern, as we were in our second year of a drought. All of our winter rain fell in late 2012 and a small amount in January. Beyond January, we had no rain, yet the weather, as it relates to temperature and fog patterns, was absolutely magical. With a classically timed budbreak to start the season, then gorgeous warm weather during bloom, the vines set a homogenous and fruitful crop—an ideal setup to harvest. In a sense, the 2013 season was “made to order.” By mid-September, we reached a holding pattern of sunny and mild weather. By that point, the berries had attained an unbelievable intensity of flavor, color, and delicious tannin. The 2013 vintage was one that tested our courage to pick early rather than our patience to ripen the fruit longer. That same fortitude and self-restraint carried into the winemaking. With fruit so rich in flavor and texture, we found the wines extracted very effortlessly, and thus the balance between power and elegance in the 2013 vintage was achieved with shorter macerations in the cellar. |
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2012 | indulgent | Raspberry, almond, iron, honeysuckle | * | ||
Characterindulgent High-Level NotesRaspberry, almond, iron, honeysuckle Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr PeakDiscover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)*Tasting NotesThe purity of flavor and the complexity of this historic site shine through in the 2012 "Tychson Hill." This seductively delicious wine portrays the fragrance and the seamless texture that is exceedingly consistent to "Tychson Hill." Because of the textbook growing season, the 2012 “Tychson Hill” possesses a dark red fruit profile, expressing forward aromas of ripe black cherry and rich red raspberry. The seamlessness and elegance of this notable site are underscored by more power in 2012. The intensity of these flavors gives the sense of a perfectly ripe fruit picked just at its peak. Even more, an exotic and fragrant blend of floral blossom, vanilla and dark cocoa add layers of depth to the nose. The 2012 saturates the palate upon entry with its suave and graceful texture. As these plump tannins evolve, they gain succulence and density, possessing a savory quality of umami. A cobblestone mineral note persists to the finish. Climatic ConditionsThe 2012 season was classic in nature, as it was quite temperate and long. The season began with moderate rainfall, much of which fell during early March. Budbreak began the first week of April, and a few, small rain events occurred, helping to nurture the soil. By mid-May, we began a steady cycle of gorgeous weather. Great weather at bloom is a significant bellwether for many great vintages. The climatic conditions were so ideal that the vines set quite a healthy crop. As summer evolved, we began meticulously removing excess fruit to ensure the highest level of quality. A textbook August and September followed, with few heat events. Harvest commenced in mid-September and continued steadily for the next month. The wines were crafted with a keen sense of preserving freshness and capturing the distinct flavors and textures of this sensational vintage. The resulting wines are incredibly appealing as they contain exceptional intensity and a lovely, seductive opulence. |
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2011 | stately | Blackberry, tobacco leaf, gravel, suavely textured | * | ||
Characterstately High-Level NotesBlackberry, tobacco leaf, gravel, suavely textured Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr Peak*Discover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)Tasting NotesThe 2011 “Tychson Hill” is full of vivid aromatics that perfectly exemplify the hallmarks of the vintage. The wine is loaded with floral notes of violets, purple wildflowers, and even a hint of rose. Underneath these intoxicating layers, there are darker flavors of black cherry, boysenberry, and licorice. Subtle hints of Thai spices, vanillin, and wet stones bring complexity and distinction to the nose. The perfume and freshness of the 2011 “Tychson Hill” suggests that it has a very long life ahead. Climatic ConditionsThere is enormous beauty to be found in the 2011 vintage. With a wet start to the season, we had a significant advantage in that each of our sites is planted on hillsides with well-draining, rocky soils. Given the wet spring, we experienced one of our latest blooms on record, in June. The summer followed with relatively mild temperatures during which we worked diligently in the vineyard to reduce the canopy and bring the vines into balance. At veraison in late August, we removed enough clusters to ensure a consistent, even ripening. We began our harvest the final week in September and picked virtually all of our Merlot and Syrah in this period. We picked the Cabernet Sauvignon the second half of October and our conscientious team ensured only the most pristine berries were sorted into the fermentation tanks. The wines were made with a slightly more delicate hand in order to capture their freshness and respect the fruit. The resulting wines of the 2011 vintage are brilliantly aromatic. They have round tannin and are bolstered by a bright, balanced level of acidity. The flavors of each site truly stand out in this vintage, and the quality of the wines is a testament to the quality of the sites upon which they are grown. |
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2010 | timeless | Fresh berries, talc, forest floor, cracked pepper, polished | * | ||
Charactertimeless High-Level NotesFresh berries, talc, forest floor, cracked pepper, polished Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr PeakDiscover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)*Tasting NotesThe 2010 “Tychson Hill” is seductive and elegant. The nose is initially filled with scents of black cherry liqueur and dark chocolate. These aromatics are tempered by mineral notes of graphite and talc, which come from the cobble-stone soil. The texture of the wine is silky and layered with the classic seamlessness from this historic vineyard. The long-growing season of 2010 elevates the aromatics to new heights while maintaining the purity for which “Tychson Hill” is known. Those who cellar the 2010 “Tychson Hill” will be greatly rewarded over the next twenty years. Climatic ConditionsThe 2010 growing season in Napa Valley was cooler in nature. The season started off about 10 days behind average due to cooler temperatures and periods of rainfall in April and May. Because of the late spring, the vines grew rapidly in May and June, making it imperative to work efficiently on the vine canopies to taper off the growth and bring balance to the vine. Mother nature brought her own balance to the vine as well by creating less crop. The summer brought moderate temperatures until August, when we experienced many days with dense, foggy mornings. The heat returned in late August and the season began to catch up. We were incredibly blessed to receive sunny, warm weather into September and October. Because of the cooler weather and later harvest, the grapes were harvested with wonderful levels of acidity and vividly preserved flavors. In the 2010 vintage, the longer maturation resulted in wines with rich tannins and excellent structure. |
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2009 | feminine | Dark cherry, dried rose petals, forest floor | * | ||
Characterfeminine High-Level NotesDark cherry, dried rose petals, forest floor Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr Peak*Discover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)Tasting NotesThe 2009 “Tychson Hill” opens with a beautiful perfume of dark licorice, boysenberry, and honeysuckle. The uniqueness of the vineyard continues to dictate the essence of the wine, with complex aromas of rock and loam, and lingering notes of exotic spices. The palate is silky and velvety with an elegant richness from day one. The best of 2009 will reveal itself in the next twenty-plus years. Climatic ConditionsThe 2009 vintage was one characterized by balance. Budbreak started right on schedule in mid-March. Though we had only received about two-thirds of our normal rainfall over the winter, we were fortunate to have a few, small rain events in April and May, which would tide the vines over through the beginning of summer. A fairly classic weather pattern set in over the summertime. We experienced only a few days of heat over 100 degrees, which was followed by our traditional fog pattern coming in from the bay. The fog continued through much of August, which lengthened the early maturation stage of the fruit, giving ample time for the vines to create fruit deep in pigment and complex in flavor. Several small heat events in September rounded out the flavor and tannin development, allowing us to begin picking the Merlot and Syrah. Gorgeous, mild weather the first week of October provided perfect conditions for ripening the Cabernet, which we picked steadily through the middle of the month. We finished harvest just before the cold and wet weather hit on October 13. The wines of this vintage are inky in color, fresh in flavor, and have incredibly silky and approachable tannins. |
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2008 | racy | Red licorice, vanillin, pomegranate, supple, refreshing | * | ||
Characterracy High-Level NotesRed licorice, vanillin, pomegranate, supple, refreshing Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr Peak*Discover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)Tasting NotesThe 2008 “Tychson Hill” is elegant with aromatics of purple fruits, black cherries, honeysuckle, and cardamom. Underneath this intoxicating bouquet, the wine hints at darker brooding notes of chocolate malt and graphite. The texture is incredibly pleasing with a silky palate and complementary tannin. The elegance of 2008 “Tychson Hill” will continue to persist with age. Climatic ConditionsThe 2008 vintage was shaped by the La Niña weather pattern. We experienced just 60% of our average rainfall in the Napa Valley, where most of that rain came in the wintertime, and tapered off in mid-March. Because of the dry spring, the dry soils prompted the vines to push their growth earlier than usual. This would set the stage for the remainder of the season. With a dry spring, the vines naturally produced less fruit than average during bloom in May. Several heat events in the summer sped up the season but also helped to bring uniformity to the ripeness of the fruit, causing the berries to change color simultaneously. A heat wave at the beginning of September started the harvest off fast and furiously with Merlot and Syrah. Soon, the weather cooled off, allowing the Cabernet to ripen slowly, and be picked at the end of September. Crops were quite tiny, but the results are wines with great structure and concentration. |
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2007 | decadent | Blackberry, cracked pepper, licorice, finely textured | * | ||
Characterdecadent High-Level NotesBlackberry, cracked pepper, licorice, finely textured Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr PeakDiscover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)*Tasting NotesThe 2007 “Tychson Hill” is full of seductive aromatics. Raspberry chocolate notes along with complex notes of crushed rocks and incense fill the glass. The texture of the wine continues to seduce with layers of silky tannins coating the palate. The 2007 “Tychson” will age gracefully for a generation. 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 | focused | Graphite, cherry, sea breeze, floral, broad, long | * | ||
Characterfocused High-Level NotesGraphite, cherry, sea breeze, floral, broad, long Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr Peak*Discover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)Tasting NotesThe 2006 “Tychson Hill” is a wonderfully aromatic wine, with aromas of honeysuckle and berries leading into darker notes of smoke and wet stone. On the palate the wine is deliciously round and plush with a structural finesse. The 2006 “Tychson Hill” will age gracefully. 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 | seamless | Supple, black raspberry, damp earth, truffle | * | ||
Characterseamless High-Level NotesSupple, black raspberry, damp earth, truffle Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr Peak*Discover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)Tasting NotesThe 2005 “Tychson Hill” is initially demure. At first the wine exhibits notes of ripe plums, yet with time in the glass, it expresses compelling aromas of nutmeg and savory meatiness. The wine is soft and silky on the palate, with an elegant texture that has a lingering finish. With the freshness of the acidity and the enveloping texture of the tannins, the 2005 “Tychson Hill” will evolve for decades. 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 | commanding | Elixir of fruit, white flowers, sumptuous, enveloping | * | ||
Charactercommanding High-Level NotesElixir of fruit, white flowers, sumptuous, enveloping Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr Peak*Discover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)Tasting NotesThe 2004 “Tychson Hill” showcases aromas that span an entire spectrum of flavor. The ruby colored wine begins with fragrant notes of sweet, floral cassis and pomegranate that soon lead into secondary aromas of smoke, crushed rock, soy, and saline air. The wine is replete with silky tannins and a fresh level of acidity. 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 | serious | Red currant, espresso, crushed rock, tailored texture | * | ||
Characterserious High-Level NotesRed currant, espresso, crushed rock, tailored texture Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr Peak*Discover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)Tasting NotesThe 2003 “Tychson Hill” displays wonderful freshness and a pure line of acidity running through the wine. A duality of aromatics emerge from the glass- one part dried red fruit and floral notes combined with the alluring element of forest and earth. The palate is graceful and charming on a medium bodied frame as the wine glides to a taut muscular finish. This wine is a snapshot of what the vineyard smells like during a cooling mist. 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 | sensuous | Black raspberry, mocha, mineral, lushly textured | * | ||
Charactersensuous High-Level NotesBlack raspberry, mocha, mineral, lushly textured Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr Peak*Discover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)Tasting NotesThe 2002 “Tychson Hill” was not only the third vintage from this historic vineyard, but it was also the first harvest at the new Colgin Cellars winery. The soils of mostly rock and shallow gravel are revealed in Tychson Hill’s plethora of aromatics. The color of “Tychson Hill” is deep red, and the wine is vibrant and complex with notes of red fruits, earth, and exotic spices such as tamarind. The tannins are ripe and silky on the palate, and are matched by a strong 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 | regal | Gravelly mineral, perfume, black truffle, pure | * | ||
Characterregal High-Level NotesGravelly mineral, perfume, black truffle, pure Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr Peak*Discover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)Tasting NotesThe second vintage of “Tychson Hill” reflects the remarkable vintage and the alluring terroir of the site by showcasing aromatics of fresh blackberries, raspberry, and a savory minerality. On the palate, rich tannins combine with vanilla undertones, highlighting complexity on the palate. The 2001 growing season produced deeply pleasurable wines reminiscent of no other vintage in recent memory. Yields in 2001 were miniscule, but produced excellent, long-lasting wines. 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 | inviting | Perfumed, crushed raspberry, ethereal, charming | * | ||
Characterinviting High-Level NotesPerfumed, crushed raspberry, ethereal, charming Delicious Now, In Its 20 Yr Peak*Discover Now, Will Evolve (20+ Yr)Tasting NotesThe 2000 “Tychson Hill” marks the first vintage of estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon released by Colgin Cellars from this historic two and one-half acre vineyard. “Tychson Hill” possesses uplifting aromas of fresh berries and minerals with a soft, integrated tannin structure. The 2000 “Tychson Hill” Cabernet Sauvignon possesses power and elegance with aromatics of lavender, cassis, and graphite, and a flavor profile of black fruits with a sweet earthiness. Beautifully balanced, the wine is approachable at an early age and will age gracefully. 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. |