Cabernet Sauvignon, Corison Winery 2021

I count myself so fortunate that my career in the wine business has overlapped with that of Cathy Corison, who is one of the greatest winemakers Napa Valley has ever seen work these lovely vineyards, and if there was a Mount Rushmore for cabernet producers, her likeness would certainly have to be up there alongside of other visionaries such as Joe Heitz, Bob Travers, Paul Draper and André Tchelitscheff! Her 2021 cabernet sauvignon is another brilliant wine in the long line of brilliant wines from Cathy, coming in at 13.6 percent octane and delivering a stunning young aromatic constellation of cassis, sweet dark berries, tobacco leaf, a complex base of Rutherford Dust soil tones, cigar ash and a suave foundation of new oak. On the palate the wine is pure, focused and full-bodied, with a lovely core of fruit, fine soil signature and grip, fine-grained, buried tannins and stunning balance on the long, complex and utterly seamless finish. Yet another brilliant young wine from Cathy Corison! 2037-2100.

A totally seductive, fresh, and vibrant 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Cathy Corison showcasing fragrant black cherry and blue fruit aromatics, a hint of liquorice and incense, and toasty cedarwood. Medium to full-bodied, with silky boysenberry fruit, satiny tannins, a spine of tantalising acidity, and a long mineral-rich finish lifted by tangerine peel and grapefruit zest. Aged 20 months in French oak barrels, of which 50% was new. The winery has been a Napa staple almost since opening its doors in 1987. 2024 - 2045

This takes an elegant approach, offering racy, refined notes of iris, violet, hibiscus and mulberry that stay focused and fresh from start to finish, flashing light mineral and anise accents along the way. The finish glistens with purity, and the precision should allow this to evolve nicely in the cellar. Drink now through 2040.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon needs a little shaking to bring out the notes of fresh blackcurrants, raspberries, and kirsch, followed by hints of spearmint, charcoal, and bay leaves. The medium-bodied palate is vibrant and intense with fresh red and black berry layers and a grainy texture, finishing with a burst of freshness and an herbal lift.

A demonstration of restraint with depth focused on complexity, length, and poise. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon delivers flavors of cedar, firm black plum, and the lightest touch of coffee, lifted by aromatics of crushed fennel seed and hints of pink grapefruit. Tannins are powdery fine while persistent, carried into a long finish by mouthwatering acidity.

Full bottle 1,476 g. Aged for 20 months in French oak, 50% new. 1,975 cases produced.
Deep crimson. Fresh and lively without a trace of excess sweetness or oak. Much more transparent than most. Some may object to a lack of concentration but it’s a refreshing step in a perhaps more sustainable direction. 2024 – 2032

Glistening purple colour in the glass, this nose brings the natural ripeness of Napa with a cool, refined edge. Blueberries and blackcurrants mingle with a little cassis and wood smoke. There is an elegance and refinement here, brought by notes of violet and cherry blossom. The palate is built around vibrant acidity and chalky but ripe tannins. Surrounding these solid foundations is a core of glossy dark fruit, which again has a lift and energy you seldom see from this part of the world. Texturally slick but with a deep, long and serious fruit intensity, this is all about measured power. The finish is minutes long, the tannins cloaked by fruit to give a disarming charm to this wine already. But have no doubt, this great Cabernet will age beautifully in the cellar.