2010 - Kronos Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Corison, St. Helena

Cathy Corison's 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Kronos Vineyard is one of the most surprising wines in this tasting, as I did not expect it to be so open and expressive. Made from diseased, head-trained vines just behind Corison's barn-like winery, the 2010 Kronos, is deep, savory and wonderfully expressive, with fabulous concentration and tons of depth. With air, some of the signature floral/savory/mineral notes come forward. Violets, lavender, graphite, licorice and blue/purplish fruits abound in a classically structured, pedigreed Cabernet Sauvignon of the highest level. The good news is the 2010 won't take as long to open up as I had initially thought.

Ample rains through 2010 broke the three-year drought and led to late budbreak and fruit set. Summer temperatures were far cooler than normal creating an incredibly long, slow growing season. Temperatures then warmed late in the season helping to finish ripening before harvest. The 2010 vintage is a good year to know your producer as the heat led to quite dark, heavier wines for some producers, while others were able to pick early enough to retain freshness. Black core moving to ruby around the edges. Star bright in the glass. Deep and intriguing aromatics showing hints of blooming roses, black cherry, dried ruby-red grapefruit and dark cocoa powder. Uniquely perfumed from the nose through the palate. Mixed fruits here with notes of blue and black crisp berries and mixed citrus elements with just a hint of pomegranate. Fine-grained tannin and mouth-watering acidity carry into a long finish. Lovely finesse, elegance and exotic elements all touched by the classic gunpowder, iron accent native to the site. Delicious. (ECB)