94+ 2001 is an excellent vintage for Napa cabernets and the ’01 Corison is a superb example of this outstanding year. The deep and sappy nose jumps from the glass in a still youthful mélange of red and black cherries, a touch of plum, Rutherford dust, tobacco smoke, cocoa powder, a gentle whisper of mint and a deft touch of vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and silky on the attack, with beautiful mid-palate depth, bright acids, modest tannins and excellent length and grip on the sappy and still quite primary finish. Texturally, this lovely 2001 cabernet is not too far from peak drinking, but in terms of aromatic and flavor complexity, it is still in the developmental stage and another three to five years of bottle age are really going to pay dividends in terms of blossoming.

Cathy Corison's 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is a very pretty wine to drink now and over the next handful of years. Sweet dried cherry, mint, licorice, spice, tobacco and dried herbs are all signatures of a wine that has reached its plateau of maturity. There is more than enough freshness to ensure at least another handful of years of fine drinking, but I would not push my luck on aging. -- Antonio Galloni

Napa veteran Cathy Corison has crafted a blended wine of beauty and power. Compared to her Kronos bottling, this Cab is for immediate consumption, although it should hold well for some years. It's lush and gentle in tannins, with upfront flavors of blackberries, cocoa and green olives, and possesses great balance and charm.