Tags
Black Label, CA, Cabernet, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Cornerstone Cellars, craig camp, Napa, napa valley, Stepping Stone, wine, wine review, wine reviews, Yountville
“WINE THAT’S A CLASS ACT”
In my opinion, if there was ever a grape that could signify everything there is about Napa Valley, its character, terroir, people and beauty, it would be Cabernet Sauvignon. So it’s only befitting to let you know that Cornerstone Cellars Stepping Stone Black Label 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon represents that distinguishment and honor of Napa Valley, very well. A class act just by looking at the bottle and a wow factor that will delight you all the way to your last sip!
Cornerstone Cellar’s vision for their new Black Label Series is to make dramatic, elegant and complex wines from great vineyards at a fair value. Their vision is truly accomplished in the 2011 Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon. SRP $45.00. Black tie elegance for your palate.
As Cornerstone Cellars’ wines always do, the Cornerstone 2011 Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon has clarity and beauty in the glass. Garnet red with inky purple hues. A bit of cedar and cassis hit your nose when you swirl and then another whiff brings you the wonderful dark blackberry tart scent, as if it were straight from the oven. On the palate you pick up the delightful dark berries – blackberry; blueberry and a bit of currant. 
There’s a fantastic rhubarb tartness with big chewy tannins and a lot of complexity coming from the toasty oak and vanilla undertones. A bit of herbal spice mid palate brings a finish that is long and luscious and ends with smooth fruitiness. An absolute gorgeous wine. I paired my big, complex, Black Label cabernet with none other than a big, rich, juicy ribeye steak. This was a match made in heaven. Of course, I had no doubt after tasting the wine first that a fatty steak would be its match for dinner, but what I didn’t know is that my experiment of making a side dish of red wine risotto with mushrooms and goat cheese would be so terrific. I made the risotto recipe with the 2011 Cornerstone Cellars Stepping Stone Black Label Cabernet and I must say, not only was it a delicious recipe, but a delightful pairing as well. The heartiness held up to the steak and the wine and the delicate sharpness and creaminess of the goat cheese matched remarkably well with this Cabernet. Another wine / food pairing success with Cornerstone Cellars wines.
Cornerstone Cellars 2011 Stepping Stone Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon receives a FIVE BOTTLE Rating from me. This delicious, delicate, yet powerful cabernet is something special. It’s the start of a new Black Label line from Cornerstone Cellars and proof that when you are forever engaging on what can be done with great grapes from Napa Valley, your success rate is phenomenal! From black tie events to patio dining at your own home, prepare to be wowed by this class act from Cornerstone Cellars.
Cheers!
** Sample received courtesy of Cornerstone Cellars **
D' Vine Wine Time 