We’re big fans of dry rosé at Adams, Heritier & Associates. We like them just as much in January as we do in July, and we’re always up for trying something new, so when our friends at Cornerstone Cellars sent us a sample of their latest Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Corallina Napa Valley Syrah Rosé, we gave it a week or so to rest up, and then pulled the cork and poured glasses to see how it measured up to the previous vintage. Happily, though not surprisingly, given the consistent high quality of the wines that Cornerstone/Stepping Stone is producing, we liked this one every bit as much as its predecessor.

2011 Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Corallina Napa Valley Syrah Rosé, 14.1% alc., $20 SRP: Clean strawberry pink color, with pretty strawberry and raspberry flavors and aromas. Subtle minerality on the palate adds to the appeal, and no heat to speak of, despite the alcohol level. Nice intensity of flavor, with a texture that suggests some viscosity without being at all heavy; medium-to-medium full bodied, with excellent acids and good length. 100% Syrah, sourced from Boyd Family Vineyards in the Oak Knoll Appellation. Gently whole cluster pressed, then given a very cool and gradual fermentation in stainless steel, before aging for 5 months in mature French oak barrels. 455 cases produced. Find this wine

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4. 4 New Wines from Cornerstone Cellars
5. 2008 Cornerstone Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir