How many of you return home from work, shopping, or other strenuous or, let’s be fair, non-strenuous activity and want an easy drinking glass of wine which can pair with so many dishes… yet don’t know what to choose? I found the perfect wine for you (and me!) and it’s from Oregon’s Willamette Valley ~ the 2010 Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Pinot Noir.
Stepping Stone by Cornerstone and Cornerstone Cellars are relatives by design ~ their winemakers share the same intensity towards focus and detail yet the wines, many of which are from the same vineyards, express the variances of each harvest. The 2010 Pinot Noir clearly demonstrates the passion of Cornerstone Cellars’ Managing Partner Craig Camp for a creative cool climate Pinot Noir which is meant to drink young and oh so cool ~ Grown, produced, and bottled in Oregon with a beautiful label, “Color of Life”, by Oregon native Janet Ekholm, this may just be your new favorite Pinot Noir!
So how cool is this wine??
**2010 Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (sent to me as a sample) – In the glass, this Pinot Noir had a pale ruby color with a lightness of being which I loved! With a tingle of spice on the nose and aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and a touch of vanilla, I couldn’t wait to have that first sip which did not disappoint. There was only gratitude on my part for the balance of red fruit (more strawberries, raspberries, cherries, and cranberries), acidity, light and smooth tannins, and alcohol. With a lovely, lingering finish, this was just what I craved. Aged in 100% French oak and bottled in June 2012, this wine is meant to drink now so enjoy!! Only 135 cases have been produced and you can find this wine at a price point of $30.00.
This easy drinking Pinot Noir works with any occasion! And now that the holidays are approaching, consider pairing this Pinot Noir as I did recently with one of my favorite go-to recipes, Pork Tenderloin (with Mustard Sauce), given below. The well rounded Pinot Noir was a wonderful complement to the tenderloin’s marinade of bourbon (really? yes!), soy sauce, and brown sugar! I have made this recipe many times, but the 2010 Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Pinot Noir is a wine I can honestly consider as a perfect pairing.
Cheers to enjoying a young and cool wine which can hold its own as a delicious pairing to your meal…or anytime! ~ Cindy
Pork Tenderloin with Mustard Sauce
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup bourbon
2T brown sugar
2-3 lbs. pork tenderloin
Mix ingredients and marinate pork several hours, turning occasionally. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Remove from marinade and bake 1 hour, basting with marinade. Carve into thin slices and serve with sauce. Serves 8.
Sauce (some use the marinade as the sauce as I do, but this is delicious as well):
1/3 cup sour cream
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1T dry mustard
Blend the above ingredients and serve ~
