2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Kronos
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Tasting notes
Weather in 2003 was relatively unpredictable with unexpected heat in spring followed by record rain. Temperatures then cooled in summer, slowing ripening, until September heat suddenly accelerated ripening again putting the harvest back on a more normal timeline. Ruby-black core reaches to ruby edges with a hint of brick tone to them. Star bright in the glass. Aromatics of gunmetal and dried lavender lift from a body of mushroom reduction. The palate offers a nice complement of floral, fruit and savoury notes – showing a mix of red and black fruits, cedar, gunpowder and an underlying body of white mushrooms. The wine here is still incredibly fresh and vibrant. It has a bit less complexity compared with the outstanding 2001 or 1999, but is still quite a beautiful and pleasing wine. The floral notes of dried lavender and hints of violet carry all the way through an ultra-long finish. Blackcurrant and cassis begin to show themselves with air. (ECB)
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Despite its moderate 13.8 percent alcohol, it’s deliciously rich and plump, with buoyant red currant and black cherry fruit. Completely dry, complex (cigar box, earth and oak spice) and elegant. (LM)
Moderately saturated ruby-red. High-pitched aromas of blueberry, licorice, chocolate, leather and smoky, cedary oak, slightly liqueur-like. Then supple and sweet in the mouth but a bit youthfully disjointed and not quite as fine-grained as the 04 version, which Corison notes was less affected by heat spikes. Finishes with firm, dusty tannins and notes of chocolate and leather.
Moderately saturated ruby-red. High-pitched aromas of blueberry, licorice, chocolate, leather and smoky, cedary oak; slightly liqueur-like. Then supple and sweet in the mouth but a bit youthfully disjointed and not quite as fine-grained as the '04 version, which Corison notes was less affected by heat spikes. Finishes with firm, dusty tannins and notes of chocolate and leather.
About the producer
Cathy Corison is one of Napa’s leading lights – a matriarch of the region who crafts defiantly elegant Cabernet Sauvignon from her old vines on the benchland between Rutherford and St Helena. These refined, long-ageing wines are some of Napa’s most impressive.