“You, a winemaker? No one would hire a woman winemaker.” So said Cathy Corison’s professor when she was studying for her master’s degree in oenology to become just that — a winemaker. That was 1978. Today, about 10 percent of the winemakers in California’s 3,700 wineries are women. And Corison, after working in other wineries, has not only owned Corison Winery since 1987, she earned an enviable international reputation for making some of the finest, most elegant, well-balanced Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley. In a region where many Cabernets reach hot-to-the-mouth 15-plus-degree alcohol, Cathy Corison never produces one more than 14.
“It’s all about balance, maintaining the fruit flavors, characteristics and complexities,” she explained. “It begins in how we treat the vines in our vineyards — Kronos, the 8-acre one we own, and the four neighboring vineyards where we get the rest of our grapes. They are all on bench land with well-drained, gravelly, bale loam soil, perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon.” She ages her wines in French oak for about 22 months, then rests them in bottles before releasing.
Corison makes two bottlings of Cabernet Sauvignon. I recently tasted four samples. She labels wines from grapes of the neighboring vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Her 2005 ($110) — beautifully balanced, smooth, refined yet rich and inviting — offers an aroma of plums and berries. Her 2011 Napa Valley ($80) is equally enchanting with dark cherries, plums and spice, as smooth as fine-spun silk yet powerful and mouth-filling. Even in this difficult vintage, Corison managed to create a firm, balanced wine.
Kronos 2008 ($210) evokes plum and cassis and dark berries in its aroma while its texture is supple and fine and its taste complex, forward and balanced. Without a single hot spot or off note, it is exquisite, extraordinary and powerful, as perfect as a California Cabernet can get.
Kronos 2011 ($150) is gorgeous. While this cool year presented ripening difficulties for Cabernet, Corison, who emphasizes balance and restraint in her wines, managed to create a smooth, elegant wine of tightly blended flavors.
Corison’s husband, William Martin, designed Corison’s Victorian-style winery barn. The wine label incorporates a 7,000-year-old life symbol, and a sprouting seed decorates the wine cork. Looking back and forward, all is well at Corison Winery.
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jun 14, 2021Vacation in the United Kingdom with a View
Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee, a light breeze dancing on your face, and views so beautiful you begin to think it is a simulation. The United Kingdom is teeming with unique accommodations that will please your eyes. Check out these stays with stunning views on your next U.K. adventure.
Sponsored Content
Sports Industry Awards returns to Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah for 8th Edition
The biggest names in the Middle East sporting community will gather for the Sports Industry Awards as the event returns for its eighth edition. SPIA recognizes the achievements of individuals, organizations, facilities and campaigns that contributed to the development of sport in the region.
Daily
Jun 11, 2021AdventureWomen Announces Exclusive Zimbabwe Excursion
AdventureWomen, the travel company specializing in adventure tours for women, announced a partnership with African Wildlife Foundation. The organization supports the conservation of Africa’s wildlife through education, community development and sustainability projects. As part of the partnership, the two organizations will host a women’s safari to Zimbabwe in May 2022.
Daily
Jun 10, 2021New Donation Offer from Carillon Miami Wellness Resort
Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, where innovative wellness and balanced indulgence come together in one extraordinary beachfront setting, recently partnered with First Responders Children’s Foundation, a non-profit organization providing financial support to children and families of first responders. This partnership formed the Carillon Cares: Summer of Heroes offers, including a donation to the foundation for each stay booked, which supports giving back to those who fought on the front lines during the pandemic.
eFlyer Reviews
Jun 9, 2021JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa Review
Although much changed in the past year, Cancún still has the joie de vivre we need right now after months of cabin fever — even with safety measures in place. In fact, the first half of 2021 may be a good time to rediscover Mexico’s home-grown Caribbean resort town in a slower, more relaxed mode that contrasts its rollicking “spring break” reputation of old. One place to take in Cancún at its best is JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa, a mile up from the convergence of night clubs, chain restaurants, souvenir emporiums and shopping malls along Avenida Kukulkan.
It’s Time for Saint Lucia
eFlyer Deals
Jun 9, 2021eFlyer Lead
Jun 9, 2021Celebrate Pride Month: Top LGBTQ+-Friendly U.S. States
June marks Pride Month, largely credited to bisexual activist Brenda Howard who organized Gay Pride Week and the Christopher Street Liberation Day Parade in 1970, one year after the Stonewall Riots. The parade eventually become the New York City Pride March, leading to Pride Month and similar parades and marches around the world.
Sponsored Content
SPIA 2021 Winners Crowned at Gala Ceremony at W Hotel, Palm Jumeirah
The Sports Industry Awards returned with a bang last night as 200 guests packed the W Hotel Great Ball Room for the gala ceremony.
Daily
Jun 9, 2021Haven Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa Introduces New Culinary Experience
Haven Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, an all-suite, adults-only, all-inclusive oceanfront resort, announces a new experience suited for epicurean travelers: The Chef’s Table. At Haven’s fine-dining restaurant Olios Mediterranean, The Chef’s Table offers the best seats in the house, right in front of the chef’s working station and open, top-of-the-line kitchen. And the actual table is beautiful in its own right: made from reclaimed wood and complemented by a turquoise glass chandelier.
ShareThis