In Like A Lion…2009 Cornerstone Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

The intrigue and beauty of a bottle of 2009 Cornerstone Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon (sent to me as a sample) have enticed me for several weeks.  Yet waiting for the right time to taste has been challenging because I know intuitively that this is a fantastic wine and I want it to express all that it can.  Do I give it time to rest in the bottle for a few years (ten or more?)  or take it for the team (you!) and share my tasting notes?  It’s almost the month of March and if the adage of “in like a lion…” is true, I felt that it may be just the right time to open this bottle on a very snowy evening in Chicago.  Will this Cabernet Sauvignon roar?

Cornerstone Cellars is one of my favorite wineries in California and Oregon.  Previously,  I have sung the praises of their 2010 Cornerstone Oregon, Willamette Valley Chardonnay, 2010 Cornerstone Oregon Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, and 2009 Cornerstone Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.  Their wonderful 2010 Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Pinot Noir remains a keeper.  And don’t forget the 2011 Stepping Stone by Cornerstone North Coast White Rocks, the 2010 Stepping Stone by Cornerstone North Coast Red Rocks, or the 2010 by Cornerstone Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley.  Managing Partner Craig Camp and Winemaker, Jeff Keene are doing winemaking absolutely right and once you begin tasting their wines, you will be hooked.  Promise to check out their website for more in depth information about their wines and their mission because you will savor the stories.

The 2009 Howell Mountain is comprised of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot.  The majority of the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are from the Ink Grade Vineyard east of Napa’s Howell Mountain with an elevation of 1800 feet above sea level.   Steep slopes and volcanic soil with a root growth restriction yield small berries which exhibit strong tannins, structure, and fresh fruity flavors.  More Cabernet Sauvignon from the Oak Knoll district and Merlot from Carneros were blended to make this wine beautiful with flavors and complexity.

I brought this wine to one of my favorite restaurants in Wheaton, Illinois to share with friends and family.  Paired with pork taquitos, beef stroganoff, and a bison burger (no, I did not have all of these choices…!), the wine was delicious, smooth, peppery, and….

**2009 Cornerstone Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon – Deep purple in the glass, this wine was better and more lush the longer it had the chance to decant.  Aromas of cherries, deep red fruits, chocolate and black pepper gave way to tastes of more deep fruit, cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla thanks to twenty two months of aging in French oak.  Smoooooth tannins, bright acidity, and a freshness I love in a Cabernet Sauvignon were beautiful in this well balanced wine.  Despite the fact that I opened this wine now,  there was a complexity to this wine thanks to the terroir, blend of grapes, and winemaking techniques.  You, too, can love this wine now or in twenty years for $80.00.

Roaring into March?  Oh yes. This handsome lion of a wine was, atop that mountain, smooth, sleek, and elegant yet bold with a forceful yet gentle roar that makes me want to be a part of its pride.  And those at Cornerstone Cellars should be and most likely are…very proud.

Cheers ~ Cindy