Beverage of the Week (BOW)
Cornerstone Cellars Black Label Cabernet Franc Napa Valley 2012
Product Story
The 2012 vintage was a banner one for those in the Napa Valley particularly anyone with vineyards at elevation. Sunny days and cool nights promoted long, slow ripening and a depth of fruit flavor and character that can only be achieved in the best years. This is made with 100% Cabernet Franc sourced from three Napa vineyards. This wine was aged in French Bordeaux barrels for 18 months (50% new). This is a true triumph to create a Cab Franc that offers the perfect expression of fruit without the heavy vegetal notes so often found in wines from this noble varietal. Bravo - once again to Cornerstone.
Brand Story
Cornerstone Cellars began in 2007 with the partnership of Mike Dragutsky and Craig Camp. Each wine has the unmistakable thumbprint of Craig Camp, Cornerstone's managing partner. Craig is a wine industry veteran with a sharp palate honed working as an importer of French wines and working at wineries in Italy. He seeks wines with depth, style, and balance and this is the only kind of wine he will make. I work with many wineries and winemakers around the globe and Cornerstone Cellars is in the top 1% of wineries with a clarity of vision and style. Their wines are unique and among the very best.
Tasting Note
Brilliant deep ruby color with scarlet highlights. After aerating (you should decant this wine) the true aromatics emerge offering scents of ripe raspberry, cherry, and red currants with cranberry, tart cherries, mineral, thyme, cranberry, toasted oak with subtle hints of vanilla, and nutmeg. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a rich and broad palate that focuses on the interplay of ripe and tart berries with supporting earth, oak, and spice notes that add intrigue. Simply beautiful. The ideally balanced wine is rich while vibrant and multilayered with great length and soft, chewy tannins.
How to Serve
I highly recommend that you decant this wine. Just one hour in a decanter will be enough time to allow this wine to show you what it has. Pair with braised meats.
Price: $ 45
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