But then, there aren’t many winemakers of any gender like Cathy Corison. Don’t even think about thinking about her as some kind of token Title IX affirmative-action case. She’s been at this for over 30 years, fortifying her boundless zeal for the oenic arts with a resume the length of a grapevine: a decade as winemaker at Chappellet Vineyard…ten vintages each for Long Meadow Ranch and York Creek Vineyards…and twenty years pursuing her own passion, Corison Cabernet. Just check out this Wine Spectator video of Cathy – this is a winemaker who knows and loves what she’s talking about.
The Galatea to her Pygmalion is the Corison Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This two-pack presents a rare chance to see the artisan’s work evolving, with two 2003 vintages side-by-side for you to compare, contrast, and most of all, consume. Both share the rich, supple power and elegance of a thoroughbred racehorse, but thankfully not the aroma.
Cathy herself says that her favorite time to drink her Cabs is seven to twelve years into their lives, which means these two are in their prime. So you’ve only got four or five more years to get the most out of these lively, juicy Cabs. And you’ve only got until Wednesday night to get them at this price. Of course, even if you miss that window, we have a feeling Cathy Corison will be making Corison Cabernet for some time to come.
2003 Corison Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley:
Picking the delicious 2003 Corison Cabernet Sauvignon was a challenge, but luckily I had my last picking scheduled just as the long, wicked late September heat spike hit. The fruit got to the winery in excellent shape and without the sugars going through the roof. The otherwise even ripening season from veraison through the middle of September delivered complex flavors and inky color.
The resulting wine is packed with luscious Bing cherry and plum chutney fruit and rendered rich and complex with undertones of cocoa, nutmeg, white pepper and “Rutherford dust”. Trademark floral highnotes are already beginning to develop in the bottle. Lush with gentle, mouth-coating tannins, it gracefully walks the line between power and elegance, perfectly balanced for a long, distinguished life.
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