Cornerstone Cellars Syrah

Tasting notes & discussion 91

Vintage: 2013
Blend: 100% Syrah
Alcohol: 14.9%
Appellation: Yountville
Drinking window: through 2023

About Cornerstone Winery
In 1991 Michael Dragutsky embarked on a quest to deliver on the potential he saw in a select few of Napa Valley’s finest mountain and benchland Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards. Since that time, our signature winemaking style of firm structure and nuanced texture have attracted an ever-growing number of Cornerstone Cellars admirers while remaining true to Napa’s robust, delicious wine profile on the world wine stage.

Twenty-six years in, the next generation of Cornerstone Cellars sales and winemaking teams bring to market a diverse portfolio of Cabernet Sauvignon wines –of which each one delivers a focused flavor profile - with realistic pricing to match. Now more than ever, we are resolved to implement a long-term brand development strategy and to constantly renew our commitment to that original winemaking ideology and style.

Que Syrah Syrah

The Grigsby Vineyard is a Yountville AVA wine in Stag’s Leap Wine District clothing. While it is in the Yountville AVA, just yards away is the border of the Stag’s Leap AVA and the Grigsby Vineyard is decidedly more Stag’s Leap in style than Yountville. The 2013 Grigsby Vineyard Syrah is rich and powerful and will age for years to come. The tannins are substantial, but rich and round just as you would expect from vineyards in this area. Located just minutes from the heart of Yountville, the Grigsby Vineyard is organically farmed and is one of the few great Syrah vineyards left in the Napa Valley. The 2013 Cornerstone Cellars Yountville Syrah, Grigsby Vineyard, Napa Valley is 100% syrah.

Which vintage was better, 2012 or 2013? The answer for the rational wine lover is neither, they were both superb. Mother Nature threw no curve balls at all to Napa Valley winegrowers in 2013. The only possible complaint that could be made was that there was too much off a good thing and some let their sugars go over the top. That’s not an issue at Cornerstone Cellars as we pick earlier than most anyway as we seek to make elegant, balanced wines. Simply put, the 2013 is an exceptional vintage for those that did not let their fruit get overripe. Our 2013s are classic, cellar worthy wines that will improve for many years to come.

This rich, powerful and dramatic 100% Syrah should be paired with the biggest steaks you can find in its youth, but with age will become even more layered and complex.

Who's buying this?

How are you buying your bottles?

How much does a cool label influence your wine purchase?

It's the biggest part of my decision and I'm not ashamed of it

It's the biggest part of my decision and I'm not ashamed of it
It affects me more than I'd like to admit

It affects me more than I'd like to admit
I enjoy a good label but it doesn't sway me

I enjoy a good label but it doesn't sway me
I don't even notice the label

I don't even notice the label
I'll comment (and share good labels I've seen)

I'll comment (and share good labels I've seen)

82 votes