I saw this in a store today and almost bought it. I forget the proprietary name and there is a small chance it was an '01. Any word? TIA

a

Stone Place Cuvee is the name of their Cab/Merlot blend. I have tried the 2001. IIRC, it is a dense, tannic wine that needs at least a few years to blossom. Sort of a CA fruit-driven wine grafted onto a Bordeaux backbone.

I have not seen nor tried the 2002. I was told by their local distributor that the winery is pressuring them to sell their wines only to restaurants.

I would definitely pick up one to try but give it some good air time.

I have tried the 2002. MT's description of the 2001 is similar to the way the 2002 is. Powerful extraction and a pretty good wallop of tannins. Best to wait a few years, but a good drink with some decanting. Very nice wine.

jb

The winery rep came to the store yesterday with samples of both the 2003 Cabernet Franc and the 2002 Stone Place. (Pam has dropped the word "Cuvee" from the label - apparently she got tired of people asking her what a cuvee was.)

Both wines are solid although not at all showy and both will require atleast three to five years to soften and open. I preferred the Stone Place and served blind I probably would have identified it as a Washington State cab blend: the texture and tannins are quite Bordeaux-like but the fruit is more new world. Good wine but patience will be required.

Richard