90 Points! 2011 Stepping Stone by Cornerstone North Coast Red Rocks!

"Wow!!' for Cornerstone Oregon Willamette Valley Pinot Noir!

2010 Cornerstone Cellars Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Oregon from Kim Kolb on Vimeo.

Why We're Rosé Snobs

In Tavel they make rosé like they mean it. In Bandol they make rosé like they mean it. In America, not so much. At Cornerstone Cellars we mean it too. Single vineyard Napa Valley syrah, fermented bone-dry and aged in oak for almost six months is a statement. We're serious about rosé. Serious rosé is not cheap and it's worth every dime. Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Corallina Napa Valley Syrah Rosé is such a wine. You can buy cheaper pink wines, but if you want flavor, not just color, it costs both of us just a bit more.

 
We confess to being rosé snobs. Corallina Syrah Rosé is a real rosé. That means it's not the leftovers of someone trying to beef up their red wine. In a warm climate like California making rosé by saigneé, or "bleeding" juice out of a red wine fermenter to concentrate that wine, means low-acid, flabby and sweet with those nasty fake watermelon flavors. We're not fans of watermelon candy.

Corallina Syrah Rosé starts in the vineyard as the first step is selecting a single block of syrah vines destined to become Corallina. Conceived as a rosé from the beginning, every farming choice throughout the year is made with only one goal in mind - rosé worth thinking about. Harvest is timed solely around the complexity of fruit flavors as we don't need to worry about ripening the skin tannins. The beautiful Napa Valley climate provides us with luscious fruit with more than enough color so no other skin contact is necessary than the three hours or so it takes the fruit to be gently pressed. After fermentation Corallina Syrah Rosé rests for five months in mature French oak barrels, where the flavors grow rounder, richer and more complex.

Corallina Syrah Rosé is lifted, bright and floral, laced with aromatics redolent of fresh wild herb and spices and touches of wild strawberries and white peaches. It is mouthwatering, refreshing and irresistible. Second glasses are unavoidable.

There is so much joy, pleasure and sunshine in Corallina Syrah Rosé that we had to seek out a label that reflected that energy. In "Wine Dance" by artist Janet Ekholm we found just such an image as the brilliant colors and intermingling of subject, landscape and sky into a harmonious whole is the perfect reflection of our vision for Corallina Syrah Rosé.

Outdoor living in the Napa Valley

Wine flows like water and fine cheese can become a daily occurance. We are always eager to try our friends newest releases or the special library wine that was selected from the cellar for the eventing. New restaurants are opening up monthly. Established favorites are constantly tweaking and rotating their menus as the seasons change. We try them. We try them all.

Staying active can become a challenge. We are lucky that in addition to the Napa Valley being the premier wine and food destination in the nation, it also boasts some incredible outdoor activities. The roads seem endless for cyclists. Napa plays host to a number of charity rides, such as Cycle for Sight and The Tour de Cure. We have even been a part of the Tour of California. These same roads are also exceptional for runners. The Silverado Trail has wide shoulders and is probably safer than roads within the city of Napa limits. Most crossroad loops are around 10 miles with many shorter routes available. The Napa Valley does play host to a marathon annually, which I can only imagine is the most beautiful marathon in the country. Its a perfect starter marathon for any runner looking to hit 26.2. A few rolling hills in the beginning, miles of gently declining flats, and a pace that lets take in the splendor of the region.

While I have yet to complete a marathon, here are a few of my choice runs.

11 miles- Yountville-Oakville Loop: Start at Cornerstone Cellars and head north to Washington, slight right on Yount St. Right on Yountville Cross. Left on Silverado Trail. Left on Oakville Cross. Left on 29. Left on Washington until you get back to Cornerstone.

2.2 miles- Napa River Trail, by the Nob Hill parking lot

4 miles- Yountville Cross Road out and back, from Yount St.

For cycling, the Silverado trail is perfect. From Napa, its about 10 miles to Yountville, 20 to St. Helena, and 30 to Calistoga.

On your next trip to the Napa Valley, check out a few of the local bike shops for rentals and be sure to pack your runners!

Winemaker Dinner at Porterhouse in San Mateo

Join Jeff Keene on Thursday, April 4 at 6:00pm as we celebrate the arrival of spring in style with a Winemaker Dinner at Porterhouse San Mateo! The dinner will feature four delicious courses masterfully paired with our fantastic Cornerstone and Stepping Stone wines, and we will be enjoying beef prepared in PorterHouse’s brand new Dry Aging Window.

Reservations are required and space is limited, so please call Porterhouse at 650-579-5911 to register for the event. Cost is $85 per person, with a special discount price of $70 for Cornerstone Cellars Wine Club members. Cornerstone Club members email Alex Crown, alexc@cornerstonecellars.com

60 East 3rd Ave.San Mateo, CA 94401.

650-579-5911

See you there on April 4th at 6pm!

The menu

Stepping Stone White Rocks

1st Course

Roasted Tomato Soup, grilled cheese, basil

Cornerstone Cellars 2010 Sauvignon Blanc

 

2nd Course

Crab Cake

sweet corn risotto, red beet beurre blanc, fine herb salad

Stepping Stone by Cornersone 2011 Napa Valley Corallina Rosé of Syrah

 

~ Raspberry Sorbet ~

3rd Course 

Roasted Fillet of Wild King Salmon, butter and herb rice pilaf, grape tomatoes, dill oil

Stepping Stone by Cornerstone 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Franc

~ White Peach Sorbet ~

4th Course

Seared Filet of Beef, truffle whip potatoes, kale, roasted shallot jus

Cornerstone Cellars 2009 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

or

 

Dry Aged Bone-In NY Strip, truffle whip potatoes, kale, roasted shallot jus

Cornerstone Cellars 2009 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

 

~ White Peach Sorbet ~

 

Cheese Plate

brie, pineapple vanilla compote, blue cheese, candied walnuts, manchego, caramelized honey and black pepper

Stepping Stone by Cornerstone 2010 Napa Valley Riesling

Great Wine for a Great Cause

Announcing our event with Cellar Angels starting today! Cellar Angels is featuring a pre-release of our 2010 Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Napa Valley Cabernet Franc at a special discount. A portion of each purchase supports a charitable cause of your choice. 

To participate in this exciting event and take advantage of the exclusive pricing, you must first register for free at www.cellarangels.com. 

Let's help others reach for a brighter day. We hope you will participate and we thank you for your support!

2012 Vintage Report

With the New Year off to a great start and the winter rains holding off to reveal beautiful, sunny winter days with clear blue skies, I can sit back and reflect on a fantastic 2012 harvest. Mother Nature bestowed one of the widest grins she could muster in 2012 upon the Napa Valley, blessing us with absolutely fantastic growing and ripening conditions. 

It was a classic vintage, picture perfect, where it seemed every aspect of the season was in harmony. A steady parade of glorious, warm, sunny days and cool nights allowed the fruit to enjoy long, even ripening to develop optimally ripe aromas and flavors with perfect balance and elegance.The only real challenge was finding tank space for the bumper crop of grapes bestowed upon us, but that just means we’ll be making more of these delicious wines, filled with wonderful varietal expressions for you to enjoy. But now for the winemaker, the season changes, which means I need to stop daydreaming and focus on the next seasonal task: bottling.

It has been an absolute joy to smell and taste the evolution of all the Cornerstone 2012 wines in the cellar. Even after these three quickly flying months, the whites are showing their balance and diverse, full and bright flavors of luscious tropical fruits with mouthwatering acidity and minerality leaping out of the wines in the barrels. The Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Corallina Napa Valley Syrah Rosé is showing off its delicate salmon hues while lifting aromatics along with flavors of strawberry, rose petals and cream. The reds from syrah, merlot and cabernet franc to the cabernets are showing the classic Cornerstone characteristics: fantastic color, dark fruit, elegance, complexity and restrained power with that all important lifting acidity.

The first wines of this special vintage for you to enjoy will be the Cornerstone Cellars Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Corallina Syrah Rosé and the Stepping Stone by Cornerstone White and Red Rocks!. These wines were bottled last week and we anticipate an April release. 

This year’s bottling year adds extra excitement for me. Not only are we showcasing our usual favorites from this fantastic vintage; the Cornerstone Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Sauvignon Blanc Musqué and Riesling, along with our prized Corallina Syrah Rosé, not to mention the fun and intriguing Rocks! collection, but I am also excited to introduce to you two new wines under the Stepping Stone by Cornerstone label, a pinot gris from the hallowed appellation of Oakville and a very special, limited production chenin blanc from the beautiful Oak Knoll appellation, which features aromas and rich flavors of baked apple, pear and honeysuckle with a well-balanced minerality on the finish.

But wait there is more! To add further excitement to this bottling year we have completely changed and improved the Stepping Stone by Cornerstone labels. I won’t give too much away now, but I think you will enjoy not only the aromas and flavors of the wines but the beautiful artist’s series labels themselves!

Here’s to a fantastic 2013, I look forward to catching up with you at the Cornerstone Cellars tasting room in Yountville.

Jeff Keene

Kayne Prime, Nashville Wine Dinner with Cornerstone Founder Michael Dragutsky!

Kayne Prime, easily my new favorite restaurant in Nashville, will be hosting Cornerstone Cellars founder Michael Dragutsky and you for a wine dinner in on Tuesday, March 5th 2013 at 6:30 PM! Aliza and I have been working on this dinner for the last three months and it will not disappoint.

The menu has been meticulously planned with the wines being paired perfectly to compliment each and every dish. Mike will be joining you, formally tasting through our wines and enjoying dinner at your table. This is a dinner that is not to be missed.

Kayne Prime Steak House

1103 McGavock Street

Nashville, TN  37203

 

$125 plus tax & tip

Reservations: 615.259.0050

Cornerstone Wine Club Members: $100++ email Alex Crown alexc@cornerstonecellars.com for your special reservation

Enjoy 5 wine paired courses with Mike bringing in a few surprises for you!

1st Course:

Duck Confit lettuce wraps with peach sambal jam, julien veggies, and sweet soy

*Paired with Stepping Stone Riesling

2nd Course:

Butter poached Lobster bruschetta

*Paired with Cornerstone Sauv Blanc

3rd Course:

Cherry coffee brined pork loin, with balsamic reduction, charred onions

*Paired with Cornerstone Pinot Noir

4th Course:

Braised wagyu short rib and pappardelle, with red wine sauce and truffle oil

*Paried with Stepping Stone Cab Franc

5th Course:

Wagyu Tenderloin with Bordelaise bone marrow butter and wilted spinach

*Paired with Cornerstone Napa Cab

Cornerstone at We Olive in Costa Mesa, CA!

Join our Orange County representative Wes Kollar at We Olive in Costa Mesa, CA on 2/24/13! Taste through our Cornerstone Cellars and Stepping Stone by Cornerstone wines while enjoying light bites and nibbles through out the afternoon. Only $15 and from 2-5 PM!

We Olive

3313 Hyland Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA. 92626
Located inside the OC Mart Mix
949-284-0609

Wines featured for the event:

2010 Cornerstone Cellars Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

2011 Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Napa Valley Corallina Rosé of Syrah

2010 Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Red Rocks!

2009 Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Napa Valley Syrah

2009 Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Napa Valley Cabernet Franc

A bit about We Olive, Costa Mesa:

Owners, Deb and Phil Brooks aren't new to the olive oil business. They opened the We Olive in Belmont Shore in January 2009 and now are happy to have opened one of the first We Olive & Wine Bar at the OC Mart Mix.

It  has been a dream of the Brooks family to have a wine bar one day, so were delighted when asked to not only do our olive oil tasting bar at the Mix but also a wine bar.

We offer complementary olive oil tasting, wine by the glass and also wine flights. We strive to bring you small artisan olive oil producers from California and feature small boutique wines as well. You will enjoy complemtary olive oil and balsmic with your glass of wine or order one of our delicious tapas plate featuring some of our wonderful gourmet foods.

Haven Restaurant, Houston. A Wine Dinner with Michael Dragutsky!

Join Cornerstone Cellars founder Michael Dragutsky at Haven Restaurant in Houston, Texas on Febuary 27th 2013! Mike is flying in from Memphis just for this dinner and looks forward to dining, sharing our wines and our history with you.

Haven on Facebook

Cornerstone Cellars with founder Dr. Michael Dragutsky
February 27, 2013 6:30 PM, $125++, Cornerstone Wine Club, $100++

• 2502 Algerian way, Houston Texas
• 713.581.6101 for reservations

Cornerstone Wine Club Members $100, plus tax and tip: Contact Alex Crown alexc@cornerstonecellars.com for your reservation

First
OKTAPODI KRASATO
marinated young octopus/olive oil/ red wine vinegar/ thyme/ oregano
Stepping Stone North Coast White Rocks! ‘11

Second
gulf fish, celeriac puree, fennel slaw
Cornerstone Cellars Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc ‘10

Third
grilled quail, roasted brussel sprouts, marcona almonds, duck bacon
Cornerstone Oregon Willamette Valley Pinot Noir ‘09

Fourth
44 farms smoked new york strip, caramelized maduros, chimichurri
Stepping Stone Napa Valley Cabernet Franc‘09

Fifth
fudge cake, candied beet powder, saba caramel
Cornerstone Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon ‘09

Ruth's Chris San Francisco Winemaker Dinner 2/26/13

Cornerstone Cabernet Sauvignon. The Napa Valley wine for the San Francisco Steak House

Join Cornerstone Cellars winemaker Jeff Keene and director of sales Alex Crown at Ruth's Chris Steak House in San Francisco on Tuesday, 2/26/13 for our winemaker dinner!

Four courses by chef Yusef Kocabiyik , five wines paired by Laura Karaliute (Jeff and I keep a few tricks up our sleeves too) and the chance to talk with Jeff about his winemaking philosophy, viticulture practices, and what exactly makes Napa Valley's Cabernet Sauvignons so special. Jeff will also be available to speak in depth on cricket and rugby. Me? I'm a hockey and jai alai kinda guy.

The details:

Cost: $95 plus tax & gratuity. Cornerstone Wine Club Members: $75 plus tax & gratuity.

This event WILL fill up fast as we only have 30 seats available.

We will be having special pricing on our wines and free shipping on 6+ bottles during this event.

Date/Time: Tuesday, 2/26/13 6:30 PM

Location: Ruth's Chris Steak House. 1601 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109

Reservations: (415) 673 – 0557, sanfrancisco@ruthschris.com

Cornerstone Club Member reservations: alexc@cornerstonecellars.com

Menu:

First Course
Potato Gnocchi with Fresh Mozzarella and Blue Cheese
-Cornerstone Cellars, 2010 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

Second Course
Wild Mushrooms over Cheesy Polenta Cake
-Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Oregon 2010 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

Entrée
Filet, The most tender cut of corn-fed Midwestern beef
Or
Ribeye, Well marbled for peak flavor
-Stepping Stone by Cornerstone 2010 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
-Stepping Stone by Cornerstone 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Franc

Accompaniments, Served Family Style to Share
Cream Spinach
Mashed Potatoes

Dessert
-Dark Chocolate bark with Hawaiian Sea Salt
Cornerstone Cellars 2008 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Winey Women Love Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2010 Stepping Stone Pinot Noir from Kim Kolb on Vimeo.

94 Points James the Wine Guy 09 Cornerstone Cellars Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

Lido di Manhattan winemaker dinner with Jeff Keene- 1/30/13

Lido di Manhattan will be hosting Cornerstone’s first winemaker dinner of 2013 in Manhattan Beach, CA on January 31st! Join Winemaker Jeff Keene and Director of Sales Alex Crown for a 5 course meal in this Southern California beachside town.

Executive chef Luis Martinez has prepared a five-course gourmet meal carefully paired with five elegant wines. Lido di Manhattan was featured by Chef Gordon Ramsay and has grown to prominence within the south bay community. The food is exquisite and the evening’s pairings will be extremely memorable. Join Jeff and I at Lido on Wednesday, January 30th 2013!

$89 per person (excluding tax and gratuity)

Cornerstone Wine Club members: $70 per person (excluding tax and gratuity)

Club members, please email Alex Crown for your reservation: alexc@cornerstonecellars.com

Reservations are highly recommended as seating is limited!

Lido di Manhattan Restaurant | 1550 Rosecrans Ave. | Manhattan Beach | CA | 90266 | US 310.536.0730

We look forward to seeing you there!

1st Course
Seared Scallops finished with mango chutney over wonton crisp
Maryland blue crab cakes with remoulade sauce
Paired with: Cornerstone Sauvignon Blanc

2nd Course

Farro Salad with Chanterelle Mushrooms with dried currants, toasted cashews with champagne vinaigrette

Paired with: Cornerstone Pinot Noir

3rd Course
Pappardelle with Lamb Ragu with tomato, bell peppers and shaved parmesan
Paired with: Cornerstone Cabernet Franc

4th Course
Petite Filet Mignon peppered with mushroom wine sauce, served with roasted garlic and spinach mashed potatoes
Paired with: Cornerstone '09 Napa Cabernet
 

5th Course
Flourless Chocolate Torte finished with blueberry puree & homemade whip cream
Paired with: Cornerstone Howell Mountain Cabernet
 

Please RSVP at 310.536.0730.
Lido di Manhattan Restaurant | 1550 Rosecrans Ave. | Manhattan Beach | CA | 90266 | US

Restaurant Month is here!!!!

Greetings from Cornerstone Cellars and happy new year to all of you! We are welcoming 2013 with open arms and Napa Valley is kicking off 2013 with Napa Valley Restaurant Month. This is great opportunity to experience some Napa Valleys finest restaurants for a special price throughout the month January 2013. We would like to take this time to point out a few of the restaurants taking part in this amazing promotion. Lets start with some of the fine restaurants just down the street for our Tasting Room in Yountville:

Lucys Restaurant & Bar At Bardessono:

Located at 6526 Yount Street Yountville, Ca.

Lucys is offering a three-course dinner with desert for $35 per person, Napa Valley wine pairings are available for an additional charge. Lucys is great place to dine, the service and food are amazing you will have a great time here gauranteed. Call 707.204.6030 for reservation.

Bistro Jeanty :

Located at 6510 Washington Street Yountville, Ca.

A classic main stay in the Napa Valley, Bistro Jeanty is wonderful French Restaurant bosting a Michelin Star the past three years.Bistro Jeanty is offering a two-course lunc for $25 per person and a two-course dinner and desert for $40 per person. Starting January 9^th call 707.944.0103 for reservation.

Mustards Grill:

Located at 7399 St. Helena Hwy Yountville, Ca.

This iconic restaurant has been serving the Napa Valley for 29 years, Mustards is offering a two-course lunch menu for under $15 and a three-course dinner menu for under $50. Wine pairings are offered for an additional charge. Call 707.244.9494

 Some other favorites of mine I would like to point out are:

 Morimoto:

Located at 610 Main Street Napa, Ca.

Morimoto is a great place to enjoy Japanese cuisine, located in downtown Napa it is great place to stop and enjoy lunch on your way to wine tasting in the valley. Morimoto is offering a two-course lunch for $20 per person. Call 707.252.1600

Cindy Pawlcyn's Wood Grill & Wine Bar:

Located at 641 Main Street St. Helena Ca.

A new venture by Cindy Pawlcyn, owner of Mustards and Cindys Backstreet Kitchen, this is a great place to enjoy a glass of wine and great food. They are offering a two-course lunch menu for under $15 and a three-course dinner menu for under $50. Wine pairings are offered for an additional charge. Call 707.963.0700 for a reservation.

Auberge Du Soleil:

Located at 180 Rutherford Hill Road, St. Helena, Ca.

A Michelin Star and having some of the best views of Napa Valley this is a great place to enjoy either a casual drink on the stunning wrap around patio or an amazing meal. They are offering a two-course prix fixe lunch menu for 20.13 to ring in 2013. This offer starts January 14^th call 707.963.1211 for a reservation.

So come on out and enjoy Restaurant Month and while you're in town visiting one of these restaurants, be sure stop into our Yountville Tasting Room for a wine tasting. I look forward to seeing all of you, happy new year and have a great 2013.