Corison Cabernet Sauvignon Kronos Vineyard Napa Valley 2006

94 points Decanter: "‘It finally started raining again this year,’ says Cathy Corison, "but then it kept raining, so we spent a lot of time managing the canopy to ripen Cabernet at lower sugars." Traditionally, they removed all the laterals in the fruit zone on the morning sun side first, as it offers gentler heat and light, before carefully removing those on the hotter afternoon side, where grapes are more vulnerable. Now, after veraison, all laterals are removed. The rain eventually stopped, the wind picked up, and temperatures remained cooler before finally warming. The result is a wine of gorgeous lifted black liquorice notes interlaced with black cherry, loamy earth, saddle leather, and dark cacao. Medium- to full-bodied, with generous ripe plum and cherry fruit alongside intense graphite minerality, tobacco, and currants emerging. The tannins are fine-grained and mineral-laced, with an expressive salinity that fuels the finish. Firm yet inviting, they are perfectly integrated at this stage. Drinking window 2025-2035 (Oct 2024)"

91 points Stephen Tanzer (Vinous): "Bright medium red-ruby. Richer on the nose than the Napa Valley example, offering raspberry, chocolate, mocha and leather aromas, with good lift from floral and mineral elements. Fuller and sweeter in the middle but at the same time more perfumed, with redder fruit flavors complemented by game and leather. Almost viscous for a Corison wine but not at all alcoholic. Finishes quite long, with a serious dusting of tannins and very good lift. This will take longer to come around than the basic Napa bottling, which Corison refers to as "the Corison cabernet." (May 2009)"

90 points & 'Cellar Selection' Wine Enthusiast: "You need to give this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon time in the cellar. It's nowhere near ready, even if you're used to tannins in your reds. It's hard as nails in astringency. This 2006 vintage doesn't have quite the concentration of the ‘05, but there are some lovely black cherry and black currant flavors, and they should begin to blossom in 4 or 5 years. (Dec 2010)"