Affordable Wines from Stepping Stone by Cornerstone – It’s the Weekend!

While at the grocery store a few days ago I bumped into an acquaintance I hadn’t seen in several years.  After sharing the requisite catch up stories about family and jobs, I mentioned that I wrote regularly on my wine blog.  She was excited yet made it very clear that I should write about wines that were under $20, yet she would also read about more expensive wines if they were “really good”.  But of course! I have been writing about delicious, well priced wines for years.

As I talk to friends both old and new, young and “mature”, they share the same plea: help us find affordable, delicious wine. These wine lovers are like you and me.  We love to sip and savor wine with good friends, while reading a book, during cooking, or even when relaxing in a bubble bath.  We would like to have a nice bottle of wine at the ready for when friends drop by unexpectedly or when a lovely dinner is planned.  And we simply don’t want to spend a fortune on a bottle of wine (unless it’s “really good”!).

The affordable white and red wines I am suggesting this week are from one of my go-to wineries, Cornerstone Cellars.  Their Stepping Stone label is a favorite for its easy drinking style, ability to enjoy as soon as you purchase a bottle, consistent character, and quality to price ratio.  Isn’t this what we are all looking for?

2013 Stepping Stone by Cornerstone White Rocks! (sample) –  The 2013 White Rocks! is a secret blend of Chardonnay, Viognier, and Muscat Canelli.  With the goal of crafting an interesting wine not tied to any formula, the blend changes with each vintage in order to focus on taste and quality.  And what a delicious blend this is.  Intense aromas of bright citrus and minerality created that “wow” factor.  On the palate, I loved the mouthwatering acidity, refreshing tastes of pear and melon, tropical fruits, and balance all of which led to a lingering finish, both tart and fruit forward.  This wine will satisfy any wine lover who would like to enjoy it as an aperitif, pair with appetizers or a crisp salad.  As Craig Camp, Managing Partner at Cornerstone Cellars, writes, “Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Rocks! are house wines for serious wine connoisseurs, yet they are priced so that even the most budget minded wine drinker can enjoy a great bottle wine.”  Cost is $14.99.

2012 Cornerstone Oregon Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, Stepping Stone Cuvee, Artist Series (sample) – There is no need to cellar this wonderful example of Oregon Pinot Noir, but if you must, it will be just as lovely in two or three years.  Beautiful, lush raspberries, blueberries, and purple flowers were aromas I couldn’t resist; they were smooth and mesmerizing.  Rich and fruit forward with juicy red fruits, blackberries, and sweet spice on the palate, its soft tannins and zesty acidity paired oh-so-well with a savory Panini oozing cheese, tomatoes, avocadoes, and smoked turkey.  Cost is $30 and you may want to serve it with a bit of a chill.

Cheers! ~ Cindy