Winemaker Notes
Leaning more toward the darker end of the Cabernet fruit spectrum this year, the wine exhibits plum, black raspberry and blackberry aromas and flavors while maintaining the red cherry core typical of Corison Napa Valley Cabernet. Hints of exotic garrigue include savory thyme, rosemary, violet and rose scents. Minerality adds verve, and top notes of smoke, baking spices, cedar and dark chocolate complete the kaleidoscopic complexity.
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
Another classic from Cathy Corison, the 2014 Cabernet displays a pretty bouquet of black cherry, petroleum jelly, cocoa nib and dried rose. On the palate the wine is intense, nicely concentrated and texturally refined, with good depth and a lovely line of bright acidity which lends a crunchy edge to the fruit.
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International Wine Cellar
Cathy Corison has been on an absolutely incredible run as she is producing some of the most compelling and consistent Cabernet Sauvignon in all of Napa Valley, and her 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is another simply outstanding effort. As this begins to open it releases a complex range of seductive aromatics, including blackberries and dark currants, which are woven together with spring florals, graphite, spices and crushed stones along with a lovely savory character all taking shape. This well-structured Cabernet continues to impress on the palate with its full-bodied, polished texture and remarkable overall balance and depth, which leads into the long, layered finish. While this is already showing plenty of early appeal, the 2014 is ultimately an age worthy wine, which will thrive in the cellar for well over a decade. (Best 2019-2035)
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James Suckling
Aromas of wet earth and spices with sweet tobacco and currants. Fresh herbs. Medium body and ultra-fine tannins. Lively and bright. Better in 2020 but already a joy to drink.
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Vinous
The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is terrific. Bold and racy, with gorgeous depth, the Napa Valley Cabernet does not seem like a ten-year-old wine. Dark fruit, leather, game and incense are all front and center. This is such a gorgeous wine. It's even better than it was on release, as it shows a bit more voluptuousness.
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Wine & Spirits
A classical Napa Valley cabernet, this is bright, from its color straight through its taut line of cherry flavor. There’s an herbal aspect, bringing to mind lavender and eucalyptus, spicy, clean and integrated. Firmly built, this is structured for long development in the bottle.
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Wine Spectator
Aromas of wet earth and spices with sweet tobacco and currants. Fresh herbs. Medium body and ultra-fine tannins. Lively and bright. Better in 2020 but already a joy to drink.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.