2009 Cornerstone Cellars Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
More than a month ago a bottle of 2009 Cornerstone Cellars Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc appeared on my doorstep. Craig Camp of Cornerstone Cellars sent the wine to me to try. I always leave wine in my cellar for a month or so after it arrives, so the delay gives the wine time to get over jet lag. I have a system that involves rotating the wine so I know when they are ready to taste. When the Napa Sauvignon Blanc came to the top, I hesitated. In general, most California Sauvignon Blancs are not my thing. They can be flabby or over oaked and sometimes both at the same time. Don’t get me wrong–there are good bottles from California, but I typically prefer Pouilly Fumé or Sancerre. However, when Saturday night rolled around and fish from the farmer‘s market was on the menu, I decided to put the ’09 Cornerstone in the fridge.
My wife opened the bottle and did not say anything as I drifted in and out of the house minding the fire. On one of my trips, I was given a new glass of white wine without an explanation. I lifted the glass and found a terrific nose of citrus, melon, white grapes, a hint of apple, and some wet rock. In short, it was simply lovely. By this time, I figured my wife was pulling a fast one and had opened the Cornerstone. I proceeded to give the wine a small sip and my mouth was filled with a rich well, balanced wine showing citrus, melon, wet rock and a surprisingly round, long finish. The 2009 displayed ample acid to pair with food and enough roundness to pair with a warm summer day. This is an exceptional white wine. It sells for $25, right at the top of what I will pay for most Sauvignon Blancs, but I found the wine to be worth every penny. Give this one a try and let me know what you think.
Cheers,
Neil
Check out these related posts:
- Tasting Cornerstone 2004 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
- Matthiasson Napa Valley White and Red Wine: New World Grapes with Old World Sensibilities
- La Poule Blanche 2008 and Chateauneuf du Pape Les Cailloux 2008, Blanc
- Confessions of a former California Cabernet drinker
- Tasting Cupcake Vineyards’ Award Winning Wine with Winemaker Adam Richardson
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Neil, many thanks for the nice comments. I feel you really nailed the character of this wine. It is from a unique vineyard in St. Helena. All the vines are well over twenty years old and are from an old clone, Clone 1. In addition they are dry farmed so they get great flavor intensity while retaining acidity. We are extremely happy with this vintage.
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