TWO MINUTES WITH | Ann Colgin
A Texas native, Ann Colgin began her career in the auction world in New York, later becoming director of Sotheby’s West Coast wine department in Los Angeles. In 1988, she attended the Napa Valley Wine Auction, which lit a spark that culminated in locating a prime hillside vineyard that became the genesis of Colgin Cellars in 1992. With her husband Joe Wender, she is also an investor in Camille Giroud, a negociant in Beaune – the couple’s two dogs, Gevrey and Mazis, reflect their Burgundian obsession
What is your ‘last supper’ wine?
It would have to be the 1985 Henri Jayer Vosne-Romanée Cros Parantoux. I was introduced to my husband at a Henri Jayer dinner at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago restaurant in Beverly Hills. I’ve always admired the complexity, longevity and distinctiveness that Monsieur Jayer brought to his wines.
Where is your dream vineyard?
Right here in Napa Valley, of course. But if I had to choose somewhere outside of where my vineyard sites are located, I would look to Burgundy – and if you’re talking big dreams, then it would be La Tâche. The elegance and ethereal nature of Burgundy’s wines are remarkable. Their dedication to distinctive vineyard sites was one of the catalysts for the creation of Colgin Cellars.
Who is your wine hero?
A constant inspiration is Josephine Tychson, the 19th-century owner of our Tychson Hill property. She was a formidable figure in Napa Valley history, being the first woman to build a winery here. The courage and perseverance she undoubtedly exhibited in the face of societal norms in the 1880s is admirable.
What’s the next big thing in wine?
As we look ahead, I believe the next big frontier in wine lies in addressing the impacts of the ever-changing weather in viticultural areas. At Colgin, we’re already having to adapt our practices to mitigate these effects so as to continue producing wines with perfume, freshness and minerality. Sustainability and resilience in the face of environmental changes will undoubtedly shape the future of winemaking.
What’s your favourite wine memory?
There are so many! I have had the privilege of raising a glass with many wonderful people and forging lifelong connections and friendships along the way. One memory that holds a special place in my heart involves a dear friend from Miami. He shared a bottle of 1935 Simi from his collection, a wine produced just two years after Prohibition ended. The historical significance of this bottle is fascinating; it represents a remarkable period in the country’s history. The history behind a bottle has always captivated me – the idea that wine can serve as a time capsule, preserving a particular year and allowing us to experience it in a single glass is truly remarkable.
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IN
THE
VINEYARD
Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River
ON
THE
LIST
Elvio Sgaria
UNDER
THE
SURFACE
Harlan Estate