Corison - Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley (2018) 375 ML 13.8% ABV
The Napa Valley bottling is Corison's signature release - always comprised of three benchland vineyards between Rutherford and St Helena. Vintage after vintage, this wine has become acclaimed by somms and collectors alike for its power, elegance, and longevity. Can be enjoyed tonight with a 2 hour decant or cellared through 2035. 95 points Wine Enthusiast.
info on Cathy:
Cathy’s winemaking journey began nearly 50 years ago when she took a wine appreciation course at Pomona College on a complete whim. She fell in love with wine for all the usual reasons, but, as a Biology major, was also taken by the fact that wine is the result of a fascinating collaboration among a series of living systems. Two years later she graduated, and two days after that, arrived in the Napa Valley, bent on making wine. A master’s degree in Enology at UC Davis followed, and then a harvest internship at Freemark Abbey in 1978. Winemaking positions included Yverdon in 1979-1980 and then Chappellet Vineyard for the 1980’s. In 1987, toward the end of her tenure at Chappellet, there was a wine inside her that needed to get out and she began to buy grapes and barrels (instead of cars and houses). Using other wineries’ excess capacity while continuing to moonlight at Staglin, York Creek and Long Meadow Ranch, Corison Winery was born.
Notes from the winemaker, Cathy Corison:
"2018 is the darkest, inkiest vintage in my memory, the result of an extremely long, cool ripening season with cold nights. Happily, natural acidity persists during ripening under these conditions and wildly complex flavors and aromas result. Because the weather was perfect at flowering, we had a bumper crop of deliciousness, making everyone happy.
Violet and dried rose perfume jumps out of the glass along with tart cherry, blueberry, plum and cassis fruit. Flavors follow with cocoa and refreshing minerality joining the party, and a tantalizing white pepper note for interest. Signature velvety tannins add texture and a gentle grip to complete the picture."
varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
region: Napa Valley, California
farming/cellar: sustainable & practicing organic farming, most of winery's electricity generated through solar panels. Matured 20 months in French oak (50% new).
pairing: