Cornerstone Cellars
Stepping Stone Cabernet Franc
Napa Valley, California, USA
I don't see a lot of varietally-labeled Cab Franc coming out of the Napa Valley. And it's a different animal altogether from the CFs from the Loire Valley or even from Washington State. Expect a wine that is richer, more robust and concentrated, with a very nearly opaque garnet robe and enveloping notes of black cherries, plum skins, violets, dark chocolate shavings, and cigar box. On the palate, it's quite smooth and lush, but there is that telltale acidity that Cab Franc has on its own, lending lift and vibrancy that follows through to the finish. 14.7% ABV | Sample
I don't see a lot of varietally-labeled Cab Franc coming out of the Napa Valley. And it's a different animal altogether from the CFs from the Loire Valley or even from Washington State. Expect a wine that is richer, more robust and concentrated, with a very nearly opaque garnet robe and enveloping notes of black cherries, plum skins, violets, dark chocolate shavings, and cigar box. On the palate, it's quite smooth and lush, but there is that telltale acidity that Cab Franc has on its own, lending lift and vibrancy that follows through to the finish. 14.7% ABV | Sample
1 person found it helpfulJan 24th, 2016
The ‘12 Stepping Stone Napa Valley Black Label Cabernet Franc is inky dark and big on the blueberry aromas. Cinnamon and nutmeg add a festive note. The palate shows a decidedly savory aspect of the dark fruit. Minerals, earth and black olive notes add complexity and provide a great backdrop for that bold fruit display. The wine also has great tannic structure and a freshness that's a joy to find in a red wine.
The ‘12 Stepping Stone Napa Valley Black Label Cabernet Franc is inky dark and big on the blueberry aromas. Cinnamon and nutmeg add a festive note. The palate shows a decidedly savory aspect of the dark fruit. Minerals, earth and black olive notes add complexity and provide a great backdrop for that bold fruit display. The wine also has great tannic structure and a freshness that's a joy to find in a red wine.
Jul 22nd, 2015
Goddamn sexy wine. Cornerstone, you've captured my heart again. Velvety textured, violet-chocolate-dark purple plum, graphite and just a touch of red bell pepper.
Goddamn sexy wine. Cornerstone, you've captured my heart again. Velvety textured, violet-chocolate-dark purple plum, graphite and just a touch of red bell pepper.
Jul 28th, 2014
Vivid ruby red in the glass (think Dorothy's slippers) and opulent. Young, bright fruit, this wine is splendid and energetic. A touch of heat which could be the 14.7 alc, but I also didn't chill appropriately. Great balance, purity and finish, nice soft spice and hint of cigar box. I love that it's sub 1k cases, lovely wine. It would seem new GM at Cornerstone has taken over in superb fashion.
Vivid ruby red in the glass (think Dorothy's slippers) and opulent. Young, bright fruit, this wine is splendid and energetic. A touch of heat which could be the 14.7 alc, but I also didn't chill appropriately. Great balance, purity and finish, nice soft spice and hint of cigar box. I love that it's sub 1k cases, lovely wine. It would seem new GM at Cornerstone has taken over in superb fashion.
Sep 13th, 2016Initially spicy like a zin, but after breathing it mellowed out and was quite delicious!
Initially spicy like a zin, but after breathing it mellowed out and was quite delicious!
May 24th, 2016
Great to see more cab franc making its way out of the tasting room and club only offerings.
Good....not as green as I like and some overlaying of oak and sweetness masking true nature of varietal
Great to see more cab franc making its way out of the tasting room and club only offerings.
Good....not as green as I like and some overlaying of oak and sweetness masking true nature of varietal
