Vertical Tasting at Corison with a Frontline View of Vintage 2015

I had been looking forward to touring Corison Winery since I took a Napa Valley wine class from Matt Stamp, Master Sommelier. He brought in a fantastic array of wines for the tasting but the 2008 Corison "Kronos Vineyard" is the one wine that stood out for me. I made a mental note on it then and I remember thinking that I would visit soon; 2 1/2 years later, I finally made it out here.

Day 2 started at Corison Winery where I briefly got to meet Cathy Corison before she was called back to the front line to start the new vintage. It was great fun to see her step into action at every level while inhaling the aromas of the newly fermenting wine filling the air. You could see the care she takes from the very first steps of the winemaking process.

Sales manager, Justin Boudrie toured us through the gnarly old grapevines in the Kronos Vineyard.The old vine Cabernet Sauvignon is sustainably farmed on gravelly loam soils. The vineyard is located on the benchland between Rutherford and St Helena in Napa Valley. He went into great depth about his respect for Cathy and her vineyard management and winemaking philosophy, information that I will be using in an upcoming feature.

He then toured us through the winery and back to the tasting room.

The Tasting:
2002 Corison Napa Valley (approximately $185)- From magnum, very fresh, cherry, blackberry, plum, chocolate, spice, full body, smooth.
2004 Corison Napa Valley (approximately $150)- Rich, blackberry, pencil shaving, firm tannins, structured.
2006 Corison Napa Valley (approximately $125)- A grab bag of weather brought different challenges all year; Deep, rich, complex; mixed berry jam, dark chocolate, coffee, clove, velvety tannins, long rich finish.
2010 Corison Napa Valley (approximately $100)- Cooler than usual vintage; Structured, elegant, more restrained, blackberry, baking spice, pencil shavings, long lingering minerality.
2012 Corison Napa Valley (approximately $85)- Perfect growing season; Bright, fresh ripe cherry and cranberry, floral note, youthful, approachable, ripe velvety tannins, long fruity finish.

2011 Corison "Kronos Vineyard" (approximately $165)- Long, cool vintage; Rich cherry, blackberry and plum with a floral note, touch of mint and minerality. Elegant, powerful, expressive.

This was one of my favorite winery visits. I met the winemaker and I saw her making wine, I toured the vineyards, the winery and I had a phenomenal tasting, that is a Napa Valley experience. The winery is open daily to the public with a tour and library tasting for $55, by appointment only.