Corison Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
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Guide
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Decanter
Shy on the nose at first, with a direct, silky and finessed palate. There is a sappy, herbal quality that is indicative of the vintage, but with slightly more depth on the mid palate than other examples. Wakes up considerably after a few hours of air, putting on weight and intensity throughout. Drinking Window 2021 - 2031
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Connoisseurs' Guide
The Corison hand is clearly evident here, and, as ususal, this wine runs to refinement rather than to barely contained power. It is moderately full-bodied, wonderfully lithe and supple in feel with a quiet impression of continuing richness. Proportion and balance are its salient strengths, and, if eschewing big muscles in favor of grace, it is nonetheless structured to steadily grow for a decade and last for another beyond that.
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Vinous
Cathy Corison's 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) has lovely density despite the very cool and rainy growing season. Dried herbs tobacco, leather, incense and gravel lend quite a bit of aromatic complexity. The 2011 is in great shape today, and will drink well for another decade. The blend of sites in St. Helena work so well here.
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2019-
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Corison Winery is a small family farm producing delicious Cabernet Sauvignons that speak of place. Over three decades, Cathy Corison and William Martin have built a special home to celebrate the best of their little corner of the world, benchland in the heart of the Napa Valley. Known for power and elegance, Corison wines are balanced to grace the table and are recognized throughout the world for their longevity and consistency.
In 1987, Cathy Corison began to purchase great Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from prime benchland vineyards between Rutherford and St. Helena, intent on making powerful and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon that speaks of place. These well-drained alluvial soils had a long history of producing balanced, age-worthy, world-class wines, reaching back to the late 19th century. In her early years everything was done with smoke and mirrors, using purchased fruit and space in others’ wineries.
In 1995, with the purchase of Kronos Vineyard, a property that had been a farm for over a century, there was finally an estate vineyard and a place to build a winery. In the spring of 1999, they broke ground to build their stately Victorian-style winery barn, designed by Cathy’s husband, William Martin. The second estate vineyard, Sunbasket, a stone’s throw from the winery, was purchased in 2015 after sourcing it for over 25 years.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.