Wine of the Week: Stepping Stone Napa Cab

Now that the temperatures are cooling and the time has officially changed, it is definitely Cabernet Sauvignon season...

When I was asked last night what my favorite wine is, I prefaced my answer by saying that I drink all different kinds of wine—but it's true. What I most enjoy drinking is usually determined by my mood, what I'm eating, the time of day/year; thus my "favorite wine" is changes by the week. All that aside, I'm a Napa Cab kind of girl.

And I don't make any apologies for my wine preferences. I'm a California native who is very proud of the wines we make here. Yes, I like French wines, Argentine Malbec, and Spanish Rioja, but I will always support California producers first and foremost. 

Last week I tweeted about being accused of having a palate “tainted” by California wine. I found this comment both patronizing and condescending—and it really rubbed me the wrong way. Criticizing someone's wine palate is just as bad as saying you don't like their new hair cut or their butt looks fat in those jeans. If you don't have anything positive to say, don't say it all. (Which is why I only blog about wines that I like and recommend to my readers.)

On that note, I have nothing but positive things to say about the 2010 Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($35/bottle). It was definitely my favorite wine of the week!

This new release from Cornerstone Cellars is bursting with bright red fruit. Aromas of red currant, raspberry, and black cherry leap from the glass. It is deep red in color with good concentration. With the first sip, flavors of pomegranate, mocha, and mint leaf entertain the palate. Tannins are lush and well-integrated; the rich mouthfeel is balanced by good acidity. It’s a Cabernet Sauvignon that is approachable and lively, with a long lingering finish of blueberry, vanilla, and cocoa. Blended from four vineyard sites including Howell Mountain and Rutherford with a small percentage of Merlot from Oakville and Carneros districts.  

I shared this wine with a friend this past Thursday night; we enjoyed it with a lovely home-cooked meal of risotto with pancetta, roast chicken, and arugula. (Thanks again for cooking, Danielle!) Delicious dinner, dynamite wine!

Sample received for review purposes from the winery.