2016 Corner Stone
In Stock
The 2016 vintage is Merlot predominant (42%) and also includes Cabernet Franc (22%), Cabernet Sauvignon (17%), Malbec (14%), and Petit Verdot (5%) aged 18 months in French Oak Barrels. This bold Bordeaux style blend is rich and concentrated with bold ripe fruit and concentrated textures from mature tannins representative of the great growing season. This wine is presently showing dark berry flavours complimented by hints of spice including sage, wild thyme as well as chocolate and coffee, supported by French oak.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2016
Varietal
Corner Stone - Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot
Appellation
Okanagan Valley
Alcohol %
14.0
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Merlot (42%) Cabernet Franc (22%) Cabernet Sauvignon (17%) Malbec (14%) Petit Verdot (5%) aged 18 months in French Oak Barrels.
Vineyard Notes
The 2016 vintage was another spectacular year in the vineyard. Bud break was April 27th with quite early season heat. Harvest started on October 8th. Growing conditions provided all varietals in 2016 achieving a high level of ripeness. The grapes for this single vineyard Bordeaux style blend were grown on our estate vineyard, River Rock Vineyards, which surrounds our winery in Oliver BC. The vines were planted in 2003. The vineyards are all on south facing slopes where soils are composed of rock, sand, and gravel laid down during the last glacial recession.
Production Notes
Each varietal contained in the blend was hand picked, and de-stemmed. Approximately 80% of the fruit was left whole, un-crushed. The grapes were cold soaked between 3-5 days and then fermented in both stainless steel tanks (2200 and 2850 litre) and small fermentation totes to maximize skin to juice contact. The wine was transferred, following pressing, to tanks to settle then transferred to barrels where malolactic fermentation was completed. Wine was aged in French oak barrels (33% new) for approximately 18 months. Following aging, blending trials were done, final filtering, and bottling resulting in the 2016 Corner Stone Blend. The blend contains the 5 classic grape varietals.
Winemaker Notes
This bold Bordeaux style blend is rich and concentrated with bold ripe fruit and concentrated textures from mature tannins representative of the great growing season. This wine is presently showing dark berry flavours complimented by hints of spice including sage, wild thyme as well as chocolate and coffee, supported by French oak. It has balanced acidity and medium tannins provide nice velvety textures. This wine will age nicely 7-10 years.
Production
500 cases
Other Notes
River Stone Estate Winery 2016 Corner Stone - 91+pts
Date Tasted: August 18th, 2019
Tasting Notes: A Right Bank inspired composition of 42% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot showcases Oliver-grown fruit in a beautiful way with a harmonious blend of ripe, dark fruit, minty-goodness, light oak, vanilla, savoury herbs and feminine notes of flowers and incense. Mannered, berry acidity lingers with the herbs and light spice on the finish with just a hint of blood orange citrus. Ready to go now, but library releases of older vintages have shown this wine to develop as it matures. Just don't wait too long. Drink 2019-2024.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca
Product Reviews
Sherri Faloon
(Oct 4, 2019 at 9:43 AM)
This is an excellent wine and has become our go to wine for casual sipping, taking to a dinner party, or pairing with a nice meal. We will try to age a few bottles as suggested, but it is tough to hold on to! River Stone winery was recommended by a sommelier at another larger winery when we were touring the Oliver area, and we are so glad we found you!