This has been a crazy summer for me with trips to the beautiful, breathtaking Peru, to Canada where I laughed and learned more about wine with some seriously fun wine bloggers, to Spain with seven wine writers/bloggers in order to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of the region of Murcia with its delicious Monastrell, and to a variety of states in America where I reconnected with good friends! Last but certainly not least, the wedding of one of my beautiful daughters occurred on July 20 in Colorado and the long distance planning which took eighteen months (I’m in Chicago) was absolutely worth it! Perhaps you are thinking that I should be in a catatonic state after such a crazy summer. No way! I had been waiting to open some very special wines when all of these events ended so that I and others could celebrate so many fun, interesting, creative, positive, playful moments of the season! The wines I selected, all sent to me as samples from Cornerstone Cellars, were perfect choices given that the wines themselves had the same qualities of my summer! In fact, the only R&R I needed was Rocks! and Rosé!
I have written several posts about new releases from Cornerstone Cellars and their Stepping Stone label and I will continue to do so. The quality of their wine is consistently excellent and frankly, it’s comforting to know that when I open a bottle, it will be deliciously…surprising and fun to drink! Managing Partner Craig Camp and Winemaker Jeff Keene know what smart, wine loving consumers want without compromising the qualities which make a beautiful, satisfying bottle of wine at an affordable price point. I love that.
Ahhh, the 2012 Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Corallina Napa Valley Syrah Rosé was perfectly refreshing upon my return to Chicago on a hot, sultry afternoon. 100% Syrah grapes from the Crane Ranch Vineyard in the Oak Knoll District of Napa were used in this Rosé and the vintage year was superb! For around three hours, the fruit was gently pressed and after fermentation, the wine rested for five months in mature French oak during which time the flavors grew more complex. Served chilled and enjoyed on our back porch, I loved the pale salmon color and aromas of strawberries and raspberries. Dry with high acidity, the tart, fruit filled tastes with spices and herbs made me want to relax even more after my travels and the lingering finish led me to reflect on all of the wonderful events of my summer. The cost is $20.
Well now. The blend of Chardonnay and Muscat Canelli from the North Coast of California in the 2012 Stepping Stone by Cornerstone White Rocks! is a secret, but Craig and Jeff can keep the secret to themselves if they just make more of this wine! The aromas of green apple and pineapple led to tastes of tropical fruit, melon, more green apple, and a bit of spice. Paired with appetizers and fun filled laughter before dinner, everyone loved the balance of fruit, acidity, and alcohol as well as the quality of the wine at the surprisingly affordable price point of $18.
More grapes from California’s North Coast are represented in the 2011 Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Red Rocks! Zinfandel, Merlot, and Grenache are blended and again, the secret is not to be shared! Aged for five months in stainless steel tank (no oak in this terrific wine!) I loved the mix of flavors which we savored with pulled pork sandwiches smothered with spicy/zesty barbecue sauce. Dark ruby in the glass, the aromas of the Red Rocks! included dark red fruits and spice. On the palate, there were notes of spice, earth, more of those juicy red fruits, and a fantastic zing! This balanced wine was bold enough to hold its own and its luscious mouthfeel suggested that this wine should be anyone’s go-to red on the table! The cost is $18.
How to relax after the incredible events of the summer? I love these fun-forward wines and will continue to Rocks! and Rosé my summer away!! Join me!!
Cheers to enjoying life! ~ Cindy
