The 2012 Steppingstone North Coast Rocks White is a blend of Chardonnay and Muscat Canelli (the exact percentages for the blend is their little secret). The North Coast AVA incorporates 46 sub AVA’s, which include Napa Valley, Mendocino, Sonoma Coast among others. Muscat Canelli is an ancient grape varietal and is the grape all the European grape varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot,etc) evolved from. Steppingstone is the value priced wine from Cornerstone Cellars who specialize in Napa and Oregon wines. The Rocks White changes every year, the winemaker looks at which are the best available grapes that harvest and makes a unique, fun, very drinkable wine with no pretensions. The alcohol content is a stout 14.1%. This wine lists for $18.
The color is an almost clear sunshine yellow. The nose is apricot, tropical fruit and sweet fruit flavored hard candies. This is a bright, fresh wine with a solid, but balanced dose of acidity. It tastes of ripe crisp fruit that has been lightly drizzled with honey, there is husky melon flavors, pineapple, lemon, apple and lime. The finish is bold, lengthy and sweet.
The 2012 Steppingstone North Coast Rocks White does not taste exactly like any other White wine you have tasted recently. It is unique, well made and loads of fun to drink. The acidity balances the sweet nature of the Muscat Canelli and adds a component you do not usually see in a Chardonnay based wine. The Cornerstone Rocks White is tailor-made for warm summer days and nights and is one of those wines that will appeal to your high-brow wine friends along with those who only like wine when it on the sweet side.
