The New York Times recently released a list of the most memorable wines of 2024. Sonoma and Napa wineries made it on the roundup of 12 young, noteworthy wines.
The Times’ chief wine critic Eric Asimov curated the list with a focus on “younger, more accessible bottles along with a couple of middle-aged examples.”
Among the newer bottles is a 2017 Chardonnay from Matt Taylor Wines in Occidental. And one of the older, “middle-aged” wines is a 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon from Corison Winery in St. Helena.
Matt Taylor Wines, Komorebi Vineyard 2017 Chardonnay
This west county winery focuses on small batches of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir made with organic and biodynamic vineyard practices. Asimov noted he had been “hearing great things” about Matt Taylor’s wines, and was finally able to try it at Point Seven restaurant near New York’s Grand Central Station.
“It was unforgettable, so different in style from the lean, precise Chardonnays that are in fashion around the world today,” Asimov wrote about Matt Taylor Wines’ Komorebi Vineyard 2017 Chardonnay. “This seemed broader, more richly textured, both complex and saline.”
Purchase the Sonoma Coast wine for $75 at Fiasco! Wine & Spirits. The winery also has its Komorebi Vineyard 2018 Chardonnay for sale on its website for $100. Its 2020 Chardonnay is currently sold out, though recent release Pinots are available ($80-$100). matttaylorwines.com
Corison, Napa Valley 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon
Cathy Corison, renowned owner and vintner of St. Helena’s Corison, specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon. The San Francisco Chronicle named her Winemaker of the Year in 2011 as well as “one of Napa Valley’s best winemakers of the last half century” earlier this month.
“With sufficient aging, her wines always have a lot to say,” Asimov wrote of Corison’s Cabernets. “This 2001 was a beautiful expression of the potential of Napa Cabernets, graceful and complex with a lovely balance of earthy, stony, fruit and herbal flavors.”
Purchase a bottle (from $199) at Wine-Searcher. Corison’s 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon (valued at $335) is sold out on its website, but the winery offers dozens of other Cabs (from $65). corison.com