Winemaker Notes
The 2000 "Tychson Hill" marks the first vintage of estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon released by Colgin Cellars. The two and one-half acre vineyard planted in 1997 under the supervision of our esteemed vineyard manager, David Abreu has a special terroir and a great history. The land originally belonged to Josephine Tychson, the first female vintner in Napa Valley and the founder of the winery now known as Freemark Abby. Planted on an east-facing slope with a rare Aiken soil type, the vineyard is divided into three blocks. Two blocks are planted to a rare Bordeaux clone and the third is a selection of our favorite Napa Valley clones. The wine possesses an uplifting aroma of fresh berries, sweet earth and minerals. With a saturated black color profile and soft, integrated tannin structure the wine exudes a long, luscious finish. Aged in 100% new Taransaud barrels for nearly 25 months the wine shows the "elevage" of sweet tobacco leaf and barrel nuances. Beautifully balanced the wine is approachable at an early age and will age gracefully.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Tychson Hill Vineyard is classic as well as a pure expression of Cabernet Sauvignon’s creme de cassis, tobacco, cedary character. Expressive, rich, medium to full-bodied flavors, terrific ripeness, and surprising tannin and persistence are found in this pure 2000. Drink it over the next 12-15 years.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.