This is an impressive 100% Cabernet that will reward some time in the cellar. It shows the dryness, hard tannins, full body and classic black currant and cedar flavors characteristic of the varietal. There is no doubt about its ageability, so hold until 2017, at least.
— S.H.
(4/1/2013)
This is a big, powerful, extracted Cabernet, the kind that invariably wins high points from the critics. It feels important, with soft, velvety but complex tannins framing oak-inspired flavors of perfectly ripe black currants that finish dry and long. Beautiful now, with decanting, and should age gracefully for a decade.
— S.H.
(12/31/2008)
Corley builds its reserve Cab for the long haul. The wine is too tannic to enjoy now, numbing the palate with dry astringency. But there’s great depth here, to judge by the wealth of black currant flavor that’s accented by rich new oak. Cellar this puppy until at least 2008, and it should hit its prime from 2010 and for many years after.
— S.H.
(2/1/2008)
This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon has rich, flashy flavors of spice and crème de cassis, and it will reward some time in the cellar. The tannins are strong, but the wine is drinkable now after decanting and especially when paired with steak. It will soften and mellow in 7–8 years, and it should last at least 15 years while gradually losing fruit.
— S.H.
(4/1/2013)
A Bordeaux blend based on Cab Franc, this is a little lighter in body than traditional Cabernet Sauvignon, but shows the hallmarks of great Napa wine in the soft, rich, sweet tannins and ultraripe cherry purée and milk chocolate flavors, compounded with rich toasty oak.
— S.H.
(12/15/2006)
Give this beautiful Cabernet a few hours of decanting, because fresh out of the bottle it offers firm tannins and zesty acidity that make it austere and tough. Yet it’s just a few oxygen molecules away from drinkability, with fabulously delicious blackberry, cherry, currant, anise, pepper and smoky oak flavors.
— S.H.
(12/31/2010)
Really good claret, in a Napa-Bordeaux sense. It’s based mainly on Cab Franc and Merlot, and is soft and polished, with a cherry-chocolate core. A splash of Cabernet Sauvignon adds a touch of deeper structure. This beguiling wine is like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in consummate artistry.
— S.H.
(12/15/2005)
This is Corley’s first Pinot Noir since 1999 and it’s delicious. Grown in the cooler Oak Knoll District, it shows Pinot’s opulent side, with a silky, velvety texture framing ripe cherry pie, red currant, licorice and smoky oak flavors. Best now through 2010.
— S.H.
(12/15/2008)