Corison - Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2020 750ML (13.9% ABV)
Cathy is Napa royalty and only makes about 3,000 cases per year. Very allocated, we only get a few bottles each vintage.
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 2040.
96 points Decanter. 95 points Wine Enthusiast.
"Medium to full-bodied, beautiful and restrained, with savoury aromatics of fennel, blackliquorice, cedar, and black currants. Soft, satiny blackberry fruits are lifted by fine-grained yet supple tannins while a purity of fruit guides the palate to a long, tobacco-tinged finish marked by a mineral- freshness that beckons sip after sip..
"Classic balance and a little restraint characterize this firmly structured, deeply flavored wine that brings black cherries, cranberries and black pepper to the front, backed by slightly tangy acidity and texturizing tannins that will help it mature nicely. Best 2028†2038.
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:
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: a steak deserving of Corison Cab. my pick - Grand Cru Galbi from Cote. It's short ribs from Niman Ranch Cattle.