Corison 2018 St Helena Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The Wine

"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."  ~ Cathy Corison

Unlike her estate vineyard Cabernet (Kronos), Cathy's Napa Valley Cabernet comes from hand-picked Rutherford vineyards located next to her winery.  By blending the wines she makes from these various growers, Cathy is able to craft a wine suited for more near-term drinking, so fans will have something to savor while awating the Kronos to peak in a decade or two.

But that's not to say this wine can't age!  I estimate it will continue to improve for 5-10 years, if you have the patience.  If not, you'll be no worse for wear.  This is simply a delicious wine crafted in the food-friendly, elegant style of old fashioned Bordeaux (<14% alcohol).

2018 Vintage Notes

Though the 2011 vintage looked as if a hot summer was going to bring an early harvest of sub-standard grapes (high in sugar, low in phenolics), the fall turned cool and harvest was extended, and extended again.  But then rains came.  And came.  This vintage is marked by those that brought in their fruit BEFORE the rains, and those that waited until afterwards - some two weeks later, the latter losing much of their crop to rot!  Yes, 2011 was a heart-breaking year to be a grower.

But these vineyards, and Cathy's winemaking style, call for early harvests and as such, this wine came away relatively unscathed.  Cathy says it is somewhat fitting that her 25th vintage - her Silver Anniversary vintage - would be one of her most challenging and ultimately rewarding.