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In 1996, alongside his father, Steven Kent Mirassou set out to establish a new Livermore Valley winery.   There were only a handful of other producers at the time, but Steven believed in the potential for success in the region.  Now, over 15 years later, The Steven Kent Winery and its companion La Rochelle Winery have become two of the most acclaimed brands from the San Francisco Bay Area.

Here’s what our tasting panel thought about a handful of their current offerings:

 

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Steven Kent “Sorride” Red Blend

Grape(s): 50% Barbera, 25% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc & 10% Pinot Meunier

Region: Livermore Valley

Price: 25-30

Tasting Notes:

A bouquet of cherries, boysenberries, all-spice, and white pepper greets the senses.  The palate delivers flavors of bing cherry, raspberry, and blueberry that flow into suggestions of pepper, cedar, and sweet spice.  A lively red with bright fruit and spicy highlights, it will complement your favorite gourmet pizza beautifully.  Plus, a portion of the proceeds go towards breast cancer research. 96 cases produced.  

Rating: 91

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Steven Kent “Merrillie” Chardonnay

Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay

Region: Livermore Valley

Price: 30-35

Tasting Notes:

Aromas of Golden Delicious apples and baked pears meld with hints of lemon meringue and creamy oak on the nose. Flavors of apple and pear come together with notes of custard and lemon zest on the palate.  A rich, lush, layered wine, fans of Chardonnay will enjoy this bottle very much. 504 cases produced.

Rating: 91

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Steven Kent “Home Ranch” Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Livermore Valley

Price: 60-65

Tasting Notes:

Aromatics of currants, blackberries, and black cherries open up into hints of dark chocolate and peppermint on the nose. A sip reveals flavors of cassis and blackberry along with nuances of anise, cocoa, and mint. A rich wine with supple tannins, enjoy a  bottle with your favorite cut of red meat now or give it five years in your cellar. Under 100 cases were made.

Rating: 90

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La Rochelle 2009 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir

Region: Sonoma County

Price: 40-45

Tasting Notes:

A bouquet of black cherry, bramble fruit, cedar, and orange zest rises up from a glass. The palate delivers flavors of cherries and pomegranate along with accents of vanilla and orange spice.  A lush yet lively wine with nice balance and depth, Pinot lovers will savory this bottle. 326 cases were made.

Rating: 92

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La Rochelle 2012 Pinot Meunier

Grape(s): 100% Pinot Meunier

Region: Sonoma County

Price: 35-40

Tasting Notes:

This cousin of Pinot Noir offers aromas of cherries and plums mingled with leafy and peppery suggestions on the nose.  A sip delivers flavors of black cherry, blueberry, and plum that unfold into herbaceous, floral, and white pepper notes.  It’s a fairly lively, lighter red that promises to be a unique  wine experience. 866 cases produced.

Rating: 88