Cathy Corison’s 2017 Napa Cabernet is lovely now, but, like all of her younger wines, has many years ahead of it. The color is ruby-garnet color with a pink rim, and it’s fragrant of flowers — think rose, hibiscus, lilac, ylang-ylang. Beneath, there’s a streak of black currant and something darker, more sous-bois and sandalwood, pine and juniper. The wine’s tannins are like softest talc, and the acidity strikes mid-palate and then persists forever. Flavors of black and red currants and black and red cherries carry the midsection. This 2017 vintage will easily age another five years, likely much longer. Drink it now with poultry, rare beef, rosy pork, or a diverse cheese course.
2017 Corison Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena Napa Valley
14.2% ABV | About $110 (sample)
Note: Cathy is a friend, so it’s hard for me to write objectively about her wines.
