2014 Corra, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley.
The latest Corra by Celia Welch is simply glorious in detail and depth with remarkable freshness and Bordeaux like intensity and vigor, it is one of California’s top wines and has been since it’s debut in 2004, especially true with this 2014 and it’s compelling black fruits, beautiful layers and heady perfume. The Corra 2014 is a cuvee crafted from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from selected vineyards including Pritchard Hill, Rutherford and Oakville all of which adds to the complexity found in Celia’s signature wine, this vintage really excels in delivering everything you’d want in a fine Cabernet Sauvignon showing dense richness, without being syrupy or heavy, highlighting her graceful touch, this is winemaking at it’s best. Maybe best known in recent years for her Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon, Celia Welch has been one of California’s most sought after talents and has a stellar record on making critically acclaimed wines with many 95-100 scores over the years, I’ve been a fan for ages and have admired the Corra Cabernets since her first offering, her wines display beautiful elements and a completeness that rivals any and from anywhere, and this 2014 should prove legendary, even in a vintage that hasn’t received much hype, it’s fantastic from start to finish. The dazzlingly seductive Corra 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon starts with a brightness of focus, heightened bouquet and expressive fruit lifted by the slightly cooler year in Napa Valley and the mountain grown Pitchard Hill grapes that give spice, earthy tones, tanninic substance and vibrancy, while the Oakville and Rutherford plots add aromatics, palate filling body, dusty plum notes along with classic Napa opulence and ripe styling. The layers keep coming at you with seamless precision, gorgeous blackberry, creme de cassis, acacia/violet floral notes, light mocha/vanilla, sweet tobacco, cedar, subtle licorice and lovely framing oak that doesn’t interfere with the pureness of character. This wine is amazingly easy to love for such a baby and many will want to drink this Cabernet Sauvignon now with it’s approachable modern hedonism, but patience, without question, will be greatly rewarded, much like Ridge’s Monte Bello, it’s generous nature is hiding a seriously powerful, structured and lengthy wine that will only get better with age.
($150 Est.) 96-98 Points, grapelive
