1998 Corison Cabernet Sauvignon Kronos Vineyard

Yields were reduced again in the 1998 vintage due to wet weather in the winter and spring. Cool weather through the growing season led to a later harvest, creating a uniquely long and cool growing season overall. Clusters were generally small, as were berries, leading to a year with more concentration. The 1997 vintage was lauded at the time, and is still considered by many a historic vintage for the region. However, Corison’s signature style prefers long, slow, cool ripening years like the 1998, and it seems an ideal vintage for the older vines of Kronos. Deep ruby with plenty of colour density through the core, and just a hint of brick accenting the colour. Star bright in the glass. Complex, nuanced aromatics with a mix of dried roses and lavender, a waft of cigar and gunmetal, and an underlying note of white mushrooms. The aromatics carry into the palate, gaining intensity and presence through the close to an impressively long finish. The tannin here is almost the texture of sheered velvet – fine-knit and pleasing texture. Quite impressive complexity, and a three-part harmony of flavour, presence and structure – the wine hits a balance of pleasure and interest while also offering a lot of life and ageing potential. More subtlety with complexity and structural depth than the 1997. I am a fan of this vintage. The wine today reflects Corison’s interest in Cabernet that shows elegant restraint – full of layered perfume, detailed subtlety, and power without any need or desire to show off. (ECB)