In 1996, Steven Kent Mirassou set out to establish a new winery in California’s Livermore Valley, located just southeast of the San Francisco Bay. There were only a handful of other producers in the area at the time, but Steven believed in the potential for success in the region. Now, twenty years later, The Steven Kent Winery is flourishing and earning the valley plenty of acclaim for its world class California-Bordeaux.
Steven Kent 2014 “Merrillie” Chardonnay
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Arroyo Seco, Ca
Price: 30-35
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of golden apples, pears, and vanilla greets the senses. The palate showcases flavors of ripe pear, pineapple, and apple, along with accents of toasty oak and creamy vanilla. A nice balance of richness and acidity, along with very pretty flavors, make this a standout Chardonnay. 522 cases produced.
Rating: 91
Steven Kent 2013 “BDX” Merlot
Grape(s): 100% Merlot
Region: Livermore Valley, Ca
Price: 45-50
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of blackberries, dark cherries, and boysenberries come together with nuances of sweet spice, dark chocolate, and vanilla. A sip offers flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and plum that unfurl into expressions of dark chocolate, clove, and toasty oak. Plush tannins and alluring dark fruit endear this wine to meat loaf. 316 cases were made.
Rating: 90
Steven Kent 2015 Lola Blend
Grape(s): 60% Sauvignon Blanc & 40% Semillon
Region: Livermore Valley, Ca
Price: 20-25
Tasting Notes:
Fragrances of citrus fruits, pears, and wet stone rise up from a glass. The palate reveals flavors of grapefruit, lemon, and Asian pear that open up into elements of minerals. A fresh acidity and opulent mouth-feel make this wine a fine companion for grilled mahi mahi. 396 cases produced.
Rating: 88
Steven Kent 2013 Ghielmetti Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Livermore Valley, Ca
Price: 60-65
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of cassis, black cherries, and blackberries interweave with notes of toasty oak, sweet spice, and dark chocolate on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of currant, blackberry, and cherry which come together with allusions of oak, clove, and dark chocolate. Inviting fruit and plush tannins endear this wine to lamb chops. 300 cases were made.
Rating: 90
Steven Kent 2013 “Premier” Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Livermore Valley, Ca
Price: 95-100
Tasting Notes:
Blackberry, plum, and cherry aromas intermingle with undertones of mocha and cedar on the nose. Flavors of cherries, plums, and boysenberries combine with highlights of dark chocolate, toasty vanilla, and anise on the palate. An alluring, lovely Cab with polished tannins, roast beef would be a lovely pairing. 300 cases produced.
Rating: 92
Lineage 2012 Red Wine
Grape(s): 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, & 4% Petit Verdot
Region: Livermore Valley, Ca
Price: 150-155
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of black cherry, bramble fruit, vanilla bean, and herbs rise up from a glass. On the palate, flavors of cherries, raspberries, and plums, along with undertones of vanilla and camp fire spice come forth. Elegant and smooth, open a bottle with beef tenderloin. Just over 300 cases were made.
Rating: 91