98 pts – Wine Advocate
Meriting the same rating I gave it at its release, the 2006 Cariad is composed of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot. One of the stars of the vintage, this thrilling, opaque purple-colored wine offers up sweet espresso, jus de viande, blackberry, blueberry, flower and chocolate aromas. A fabulous texture, tremendous purity, sensational brightness and authoritative flavor intensity allied to striking complexity and elegance are the signature of this creative blend from the David Abreu vineyards of Thorevilos and Madrona Ranch. Six hundred cases were produced. Give this wine another 3-4 years of cellaring and enjoy it over the following 15+. – WA, RP (6/2011)
94 pts – Wine Spectator
Aromas of ripe, complex currant, plum and black cherry show a dry, loamy earth edge on the palate. Full-bodied, deep and focused, this is well-structured, with chewy tannins and a long, lingering finish. Best from 2011 through 2017. 600 cases made. — JL (11/2009)
93 pts – Vinous
(a blend of 57% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot, 11% petit verdot and 7% cabernet franc) Good saturated medium ruby. Complex but reticent nose hints at minerals, dried herbs, sweet spices, hot gravel and tobacco. Quite closed but very deep on the palate, with an exotic spice quality (cardamom?) lifting the powerful dark fruit and menthol flavors. This very broad, classically dry wine reminded me of a top claret from the Medoc-and with its rather powerful tannins it may well age like a Bordeaux. Very unevolved today.- Stephen Tanzer (05/2009)
