From Ann Colgin’s tiny vineyard treasure just off of Highway 29, north of St. Helena, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Tychson Hill Vineyard (225 cases produced) boasts an opaque blue/purple color as well as a refined and noble nose of charcoal, graphite, ink, blueberries, black currant liqueur, licorice, and cedarwood. Full-bodied with more tannin and structure than the Herb Lamb, this powerful, rich 2007 will benefit from 4-5 years of cellaring, and should keep for 30 or more years. Colgin’s 2007s, which include their final vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon from the Herb Lamb Vineyard, are all extraordinary, world-class wines. The change in winemakers from Mark Aubert to Allison Tauziet has gone very smoothly, and was made easier by the retention of the highly respected French wine consultant, Dr. Alain Raynaud, who told me that tasting Colgin’s 2007s gave him his greatest emotional high since he tasted the Chateau Pavie 2000! The 2008s will not be available until 2011, but it appears to be a very successful vintage for Colgin. The crop was tiny, and there were no frost issues, but several heat spikes did occur. Both Allison Tauziet and Alain Raynaud thought that the small berries provided powerful fruit intensity.Tel. (707) 963-0999; Fax (707) 963-0996

Broad, rich and layered, enticingly earthy and pleasantly herbal, with cedar, tobacco, mineral, graphite and sage setting the stage for a rich mix of dried currant and black licorice, at points chewy and rustic, with grainy tannins on the finish. Best from 2012 through 2021. 225 cases made. -JL