2012 Corison Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Budbreak was delayed by a cold, rainy March in 2012 that gave the vines the water they needed to make the long journey through to autumn without irrigation. A picture-perfect ripening season ensued with moderate highs mostly in the 80°F’s, and nary a heat spike all the way through to picking during the last 2 weeks of September. Just as key, the nights were very cold, frequently dipping down into the 40°F’s. The result was wildly complex flavors and pretty floral perfume complemented by a mineral verve and bright acidity. I love this wine. Light on its feet, it smells of black cherry, blueberry and black currant fruits, violets and loamy earth. Top notes of peppermint and cumin add even more interest. The finish goes on and on.
~Cathy Corison