2019 Colgin, Tychson Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA

The “home” vineyard of Ann Colgin and Joe Wender, Tychson Hill has emerged as one of St. Helena/Napa’s most singular, evocative vineyards. Only about six acres in total, sloped and with a northern aspect, the major section of the vineyard was planted in 1997 to heritage clones of Cabernet Sauvignon with a smaller section planted in 2014.

Deep purple-black colored, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Tychson Hill Vineyard comes skipping out of the glass with bright, vibrant scents of black and red cherries, boysenberries and wild blueberries, plus suggestions of violets, dark chocolate, licorice and fertile loam. Full-bodied, rich and oh so velvety, the palate is laden with layer upon layer of red, black and blue fruits spiked with tons of spicy accents and an epically long, earthy finish. The interplay of spine-tingling energy and decadent richness here is simply mind-blowing.

Drink 2024 - 2064

The nose is predictably sumptuous and opulent, but what singles out this wine is a distinct floral element that gives it an alluring charm. The attack is suave yet taut, with fine acidity invading the crunchy fruit. It's lively and elegant, with integrated tannins and remarkable poise. Perhaps it lacks a little punch, but there's ample persistence on the finish.

Drink 2022-2040

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Tychson Hill is a supremely elegant wine that marries intensity, richness and vibrancy. All the best elements of this St. Helena site come together in a statuesque Cabernet that dazzles right out of the gate. Bright red-toned fruit, spice and lifted floral accents develop in the glass. The 2019 is naturally quite young, but it has a great future. In recent years, the Tychson Hill has shown more finesse in its tannins as a young wine than in the past, which means it needs less cellaring, never a bad thing. Dollops of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot round out the blend.

Drink 2027 - 2044

Fabulous aromas of crushed fruit and stone fruit, such as peaches, together with currants and more currants. Full-bodied with polished tannins that give a cashmere-like texture that holds the wine together with succulence and freshness, as well as formed fleshiness. Vibrant. Hints of graphite and lead pencil to the fruit at the end. Drinkable now, but will age so beautifully.