2021 Corison Cabernet Sauvignon Sunbasket Vineyard
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Tasting notes
There are just 200 cases of Corison's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Sunbasket Vineyard, the ripest and most expansive of the three wines tasted for this report. Scents of pencil shavings, cassis, black cherries and blackberries appear on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate—this checks in at a reported 14% alcohol—is richly concentrated, quite lush and compelling yet restrained and regal, with a long finish framed by lingering, fine-grained tannins.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Red and black fruits, leather, burning embers, violets, and hints of incense all emerge from the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Sunbasket Vineyard, another Bordeaux-like Cabernet Sauvignon from Corison that's flawlessly balanced, has medium to full-bodied richness, and ripe yet present tannins. This incredibly complete, layered, impressive 2021 will benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for two decades.
Full bottle 1,474 g. Aged for 20 months in French oak, 50% new. 200 cases produced. Subtle, herby nose plus lots of ripeness but not sickly sweetness. Round fruit with freshness on the finish and tannins that are so well hidden than you could drink this tonight. (JR)
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Sunbasket Vineyard is rich, heady and effusive, as it so often is. Succulent dark fruit, espresso, licorice, cloves and mocha fill out the layers effortlessly. In 2021, the Sunbasket is on the darker side but still has the plush contours that are such a signature. Time in the glass releases further shades of textural intensity, leading to a rich, substantial finish. This is another impeccable wine from Cathy Corison.
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.