2018 Corison Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena
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Tasting notes
Cathy Corison's 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon remains true to her own stylistic bent, weighing in at 13.8%. Hints of tobacco and crushed stone accent cassis, with minimal wood influence on the nose, despite it being aged 20 months in 50% new French oak. Medium to full-bodied, it's concentrated, silky, long and elegant, a balanced, refreshing alternative to much of what Napa has to offer these days.
Critic scores
Average Score
Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Full bottle 1,332 g. Made from ' three great benchland vineyards between Rutherford and St Helena'. Mid crimson. Aromatic with ripe but modulated cassis fruit and a hint of balsam. Non showy. Some fine sandpaper tannins still in evidence and a really refreshing finish. Made for the table with impressive refinement. I'd decant it this year and next. (JR)
I always love the wines from Cathy Corison, and 2018 is a vintage that certainly plays to her strengths with its classic, elegant style. Looking at her 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, this medium ruby/purple-colored effort offers an old school bouquet of red and black currants, menthol, spring flowers, and violets to go with a medium-bodied, elegant style on the palate. It’s not a blockbuster, but it offers medium-bodied richness, terrific overall balance, seamless tannins, and a great finish. Drink this classic, balanced, satisfying Cabernet from Corison over the coming 15 years or so.
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is quite inviting in its first impression, even if all the elements haven't quite come together just yet. That won't be an issue in a few years' time, but for now the 2018 is best left alone untouched for a bit. Bright acids, red berry fruit and lifted aromatics make for a delicious and promising Napa Valley Cabernet. The Napa Valley Cabernet is a pure St. Helena wine.
About the producer
Cathy Corison is one of Napa’s leading lights – a matriarch of the region who crafts defiantly elegant Cabernet Sauvignon from her old vines on the benchland between Rutherford and St Helena. These refined, long-ageing wines are some of Napa’s most impressive.