1997 Corison Cabernet Sauvignon, Kronos Vineyard

A pleasant drink; a strong blackcurrant, cassis, minty nose that doesn't betray the wine's overall elegance at first sniff, but as you progress through to consumption you realise that this isn't just another big, rich, sweet Napa Cabernet, but rather a more refined example of what can be done in California. Cathy Corison picks her grapes earlier to achieve full ripeness (in my opinion) without the overpowering alcohol (a very pleasant 13.6%) and residual suger that is prevalent in so many Napa wines. It is balanced and elegant, with trademark Napa fruit power that is integrated beautifully into a velvety-textured mouthful that is delightful. The only real downside is the length of the finish that is not quite what I expected of a wine like this. Overall a pleasing drink for my Francophile palate. Incidently we visited this winery last October, and while the woman operating the tasting (not Cathy) was pretty snotty, the place as beautiful, the wines were good, and the tasting was done in the barrel room- a nice touch. (08/10)