Today we share one of Napa’s historic wineries. Cathy Corison seems to produce amazing wines in tough vintages. A California wine icon, Corison is a master’s degree graduate of the Enology program at UC Davis and has previously served as Chappellet winemaker prior to starting her own winery. For years Corison has implemented a trademark more Bordelaise, and restrained style to her Napa wines. The wines have precision, power and restraint. They age so gracefully.
I am so impressed with what she achieved in 2022. Her 2023 wines are even better. I adored the 2023 Corison ’St. Helena’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 97) which is vibrant and nervy with serious power and poise. Learn more about these elegant Napa wines at https://corison.com/ Here is my review of her new Corison wines.
2023 Corison ‘St. Helena’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘St. Helena’ comes from several undisclosed sites in this district. This shows up inky in the glass, offering red raspberry and dried herbs on the nose with hints of milk chocolate and pencil lead. The palate is lush, seamless and filled with fabulous finesse, with serious volume. A total stunner, with a light dusting of salinity, and some serious finesse, enjoy over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2026-2046- 97
2023 Corison ‘Rutherford’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Rutherford’ is a one-time wine from a single location in the Rutherford AVA that has since been replanted. On the nose this takes on pipe tobacco notes alongside tar, anise and creme de cassis. The palate has amazing loamy and rocky soil character alongside heady dark fruits with vibrant tension that runs through the core of the wine. Finishing long with black fruits and copious stony minerals, enjoy now and over the next twenty plus years. Try to give this another year in the bottle. Drink 2027-2047- 97