Stepping Stone Wines by Cornerstone Cellars TasteLive

What an awesome opportunity in conjunction with WBC 10 to taste excellent wine with attendees and other fellow bloggers around the country.While it was a late night honestly the wine was well worth the wait. Tonight we will enjoy 5 wines from Stepping Stone: 09 Sauvignon Blanc, 09 Corallina, 08 Syrah, 08 Cabernet Franc, 08 Cabernet Sauvignon. Stepping Stone is a sister label to Cornerstone, "conceived from the beginning to be wines that weave elegance, complexity and a more forward character into wines you don't have to wait to enjoy".

First wine of the night was the 09 Sauvignon Blanc. Fresh melon and tropical fruit aroma. Crisp and the smell of citrus. In the mouth what a nice melon fresh fruit flavor. Juicy lemon on the finish that lasts long. Flavors are well balanced refreshing. Excellent wine to start the night off.

Second wine of the evening was the 09 Corallina Rose. Strawberry and rose pedal on the nose with a hint of spice. All I can say is wow. Strawberry at the beginning, cranberry in the middle and the finish is a cinnamon spice with heat. Nice long finish and a flavor packed wine. I'm a big fan of the Corallina.

Wine three was the 08 Syrah. Nice deep color with the aroma of dark berry and an earthy spice. Getting a little pepper on the nose as well. Can you say keeper and from tonights comments the winner and a steal at $20. Dark cherry, dark berry, pepper spice and a long finish. A hint of plum in the middle. Flavors flow perfectly start to finish. Grapes are from Carneros one of my favorite places in Nappa Valley/Sonoma. I had a friend who is a big fan of Syrah also taste and the big thumbs up from him as well.

Wine four was the 08 Cabernet Franc. A wine which I have the least exposure, I really enjoyed the wine this evening. Raspberry and cherry are the first aromas followed by a blackberry/blueberry combination. My curiosity grows as I taste this wine. Cherry, raspberry, blueberry, a hint of blackberry and a nice finish of spice. Why the hell haven't I been drinking this wine before.

Final wine of the evening was the 08 Cabernet Sauvignon. Definate dark berry and spice aroma and to me a classic cabernet. Black raspberry, dark cherry and spice/oak. Finish was silky with a little bite. Very good cabernet and one where I would like to hold onto a bottle for a couple years and compare the taste. I think it will get even better over time. One of my "wine group" buddies also was impressed with this wine and loved the flavor. There will be a purchase from the folks in Iowa shortly.

Five tremendous wines this evening and a must in your cellar. Craig thank you very much for the opportunity to taste and enjoy Stepping Stone Wines from Cornerstone Cellars. You have 4 new fans here in Iowa and I'm sure more to come across the country. Thanks to TasteLive for allowing us to participate as well. I had the opportunity to hook up with some great bloggers during this event.

Cheers
Dan