Cabernet Sauvignon (1990)

About this wine

The 1990 Corison Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley offers a harmonious blend of flavors and aromas. On the nose, it presents inviting scents of wet stone, sweet berry fruit, cedar, and herbs. The palate reveals bright, juicy fruit complemented by fine-grained tannins, providing a delicate yet muscular structure. Notes of cedar, cherry, and citrus add complexity, leading to a poised, balanced, and mouthwatering finish. This wine exemplifies the refined style that has become synonymous with Corison's winemaking.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, originated in France in the 17th century and is renowned for its thick skins and robust tannins, making it ideal for aging. In Napa Valley, this grape gained prominence in the late 19th century, notably when Inglenook's 1889 vintage won a gold medal at the Paris World Fair, showcasing the region's potential. By the 1970s, Napa's Cabernet Sauvignons had achieved international acclaim, particularly after the 1976 Judgment of Paris, where they outperformed esteemed French wines. Cathy Corison, who founded Corison Winery in 1987, is celebrated for her elegant and balanced Cabernet Sauvignons, emphasizing the grape's natural expression without excessive ripeness or oak influence.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The 1990 Corison Cabernet Sauvignon is renowned for its balance and elegance, reflecting winemaker Cathy Corison's commitment to crafting wines with moderate alcohol levels and expressive fruit flavors.
• 🌄 Sourced from prime benchland vineyards between Rutherford and St. Helena, this wine benefits from well-drained alluvial soils that contribute to its complexity and aging potential.
• 🍇 The 1990 vintage showcases the classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon profile, with notes of blackcurrant, cherry, and subtle herbal undertones, indicative of the region's terroir.
• 🌿 Cathy Corison's winemaking philosophy emphasizes non-interventionist techniques, allowing the natural characteristics of the grape and vineyard to shine through in each bottle.
• ⏳ The 1990 Corison Cabernet Sauvignon has demonstrated remarkable longevity, with many bottles continuing to evolve and develop nuanced flavors over decades.

Palate profile

Producer

Corison Winery, founded in 1987 by winemaker Cathy Corison, is a family-owned estate in Napa Valley, California, renowned for producing elegant and age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon wines. In 1995, Cathy and her husband, William Martin, acquired the historic Kronos Vineyard, planted in 1971, making it one of the oldest Cabernet vineyards in the region. They expanded their estate in 2015 by purchasing the Sunbasket Vineyard, a site they had sourced from for over 25 years. Committed to sustainability, both vineyards are certified organic, and the winery operates entirely on solar power. The winery's labels feature symbols inspired by ancient vases from one of Europe's earliest wine-producing cultures, reflecting a deep connection to winemaking history.