Cornerstone Cellars specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon. Their releases featuring fruit from Napa Valley in general and Howell Mountain specifically have both been excellent over quite a few vintages. Lately they have been expanding in other areas. This includes Cabernet Franc and Grenache under their Second label, Stepping Stone. These wines as well as an upcoming Pinot Noir release are made from fruit sourced outside of their Napa home. Most recently they have added a Sauvignon Blanc under their Cornerstone name. Sauvignon Blanc is one of the varietals that seems to be planted in ever major wine region and flourishes, in different ways, in many of them. I’ll look at that Napa Valley release today.
The Cornerstone Cellars 2009 Sauvignon Blanc was produced using Napa Valley fruit. This wine is 100% varietal and it was fermented in stainless steel over a month. Sur-lie aging in older barrels followed. This wine was then bottled in February. The suggested retail price for this Sauvignon Blanc is $25.
Citrus and hibiscus aromas mark the fresh and vibrant nose of this 2009 Sauvignon Blanc. The palate is layered with Citrus and melon fruit flavors that are buttressed by a hint of creaminess. Underlying those are pineapple, mango and other tropical flavors. Additional spice characteristics are joined by a wallop of minerals on the lengthy finish. This Sauvignon Blanc shows off solid acidity.
Each wine I’ve had from Cornerstone Cellars has been fruit driven, balanced and elegant. This new release Sauvignon Blanc is no exception to that track record.