Step on this Stone

*Disclaimer: I received this wine as a sample from Cornerstone Cellars.

I adore this wine. I adored it last year when I tasted it before it was even bottled. I adored it when it came out in bottle for the 2007 vintage.  And the 2008 version is even more worthy of my adoration since it’s yummy.  The wine in question? The 2008 Cornerstone Cellars Stepping Stone Cabernet Franc.  It clocked in at 14.5% alcohol by volume, had a real cork closure, and retails for $30. Sometimes Cabernet Franc can be a hard wine for me to love. However, as my wine tastes have evolved over the years, I find myself more and more drawn to its herbs and red fruit flavors.  I love the Stepping Stone Cab Franc for its ability to pull all the elements I like about Cab Franc into one wine while leaving out some of the ones I used to find off-putting.

I first have to note the lovely ruby color of this wine.  I don’t think my pictures do it any justice at all, but it is a stunning wine.  On the nose I got strawberry, herbs, earth, raspberry, mint, chocolate notes, red cherries, and violets.  To me, the fruit smelled as if it had been fresh picked and was still warm from the summer sun.  In the mouth I found cherries, raspberries, strawberries, and herbs.  The fruit showed bright, red, and tart, with good acidity and structure.  If I had more than two thumbs I’d give this wine more than two thumbs up.

 

 

 

6 Responses

  1. What food do you enjoy cab franc with? What meal did you drink the Stepping Stone with?

  2. Many thanks Megan! I love this wine too. Our cabernet franc we picked this year looks to be outstanding so I amreally looking forward to the 2010.

    My favorite dish with the 2008 Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Napa Valley Cabernet Franc is Julia Child’s roast chicken recipe though roasted pork loin is a close second.

  3. They also make a Petit Verdot which is also quite good if you are a “PV” fan. . .

  4. I just tasted this at a Napa Valley Vintners tweet up in San Francisco and totally agree that the fruit was delicious!

  5. Oh I have seen this wine and have yet to try it. Looks lush! YUM!

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