2019 Corison Cabernet Sauvignon Sunbasket Vineyard

Full bottle 1,474 g. From the vineyard originally planted in the 1950s by André Tchelistcheff. Mid crimson. Very, very similar to the Helios Cabernet Franc bottling from the same vineyard on the nose – but with time it reveals a little more density and on the palate there is much more rigour and framework. This clearly has the guts to unfurl and I would wait awhile before opening this if possible. Real refreshment on the end and a medium charge of well-worked tannins. Drier – less sweet – than the Helios. Sturdy and straight-backed. I hesitate to say masculine to Helios's feminine but if I refer to stereotypes, you know what I mean. (JR)

I know it is only 0.1% or 0.2% higher in alcohol, but the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Sunbasket Vineyard comes across as the richest and ripest of Corison's 2019s, offering bold cassis fruit and hints of dark chocolate underscored by enlivening notes of mint. It's medium to full-bodied and a bit rounder on the palate but still harmonious and long on the finish, framed by silky tannins.

The brilliant 2019 Corison ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a powerful effort that really needs an hour of air prior to consuming. Once aroused this reveals dark currant and espresso bean aromas alongside suggestions of kirsch cordial and wet stone with black florals. The palate is utterly seamless throughout the drinking experience with no rough edges. Finishing long with graphite and black fruits, this downright delicious, weightless effort will surely live on for another two decades.