For those who enjoy Napa with balance, look no further. First founded in 1987, Cathy Coison at the time began buying Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from prime vineyards between Rutherford and St. Helena. Her first wines were made at other spaces that she rented out and she later purchased the Kronos Vineyard in 1995 which was a historic property that had been a farm for over a century and she finally built her estate vineyard as well as the spot for her winery. She then later purchased the Sunbasket Vineyard in 2015 to add to her lineup, as this site is right by the winery.
These have been a pillar of consistency and aging potential. Corison has master’s degree from the famed Enology program at UC Davis and has previously served as Chappellet winemaker prior to starting her own winery. Corison is known for her classic style of creating a Bordelaise, more restrained style to Napa wines.
I adored the ne 2019 Corison ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which is dense and shows incredible structure and aging potential. Even better is the head-turning 2019 Corison ‘Helios’ Cabernet Franc (OB, 96)) which is even more dense and brooding, with tremendous celling potential. Learn more at https://corison.com/ Here is my review of her 2019 wines.
2019 Corison ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The brilliant 2019 Corison ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a powerful effort that really needs an hour of air prior to consuming. Once aroused this reveals dark currant and espresso bean aromas alongside suggestions of kirsch cordial and wet stone with black florals. The palate is utterly seamless throughout the drinking experience with no rough edges. Finishing long with graphite and black fruits, this downright delicious, weightless effort will surely live on for another two decades. Drink 2022-2042- 95
2019 Corison ‘Sunbasket Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The really good 2019 ‘Sunbasket Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a dense and decadent effort with serious aging potential. Once on the nose this takes on layers of Turkish coffee, pencil lead and deep dark fruits with violets. The heady aromas bring you back to the glass. Ripe and plump on the mouth, this leads with a decadent core of black and blue fruits, with espresso grounds and wet stone undercurrents. Chalked full of finesse, and finishing long, this a stunning wine that is sure to satisfy over the next two decades. Drink 2022-2045- 97
2019 Corison ‘Helios Sunbasket Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc- Sourced from the ‘Helios Vineyard’ this opens with ebullient aromas of red rose petals, cigar ash, red bell pepper and marionberry preserves. The palate is mineral-driven and rich, with a seamless texture. Very pretty, with a rich core of red and dark fruits, with graphite and herbal undertones, this outstanding wine is already nicely evolved. Give this at least an hour of air if enjoying in its bright youth. Drink 2022-2042- 96