2006 Gemstone Red
Prezzo di mercato
Opzioni di acquisto
Note di degustazione
(15.3% alcohol; 98% cabernet sauvignon with 2% petit verdot) Saturated deep ruby. Crushed rock, blackberry, blueberry, violet, menthol and espresso on the brooding nose. In a cooler, rather medicinal style, but with a smooth texture to the flavors of black cherry, minerals, hot rocks, bitter chocolate, shoe polish, menthol and fresh herbs. This distinctly masculine, backward wine possesses a big structure, finishing with notes of gravel and toast and serious, slightly drying tannins that will require time to soften. This Yountville vineyard was harvested between October 23 and 27 in 2006; in 2007 the harvest stretched from September 6 through October 10! I will hold off on publishing a note on the 2007 until next year, as my barrel sample was painfully tannic and tough and may not have been representative.)
Punteggi della critica
Punteggio medio
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Altre recensioni e punteggi
The superb 2006 Gemstone Proprietary Red (an 890-case blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot) is from the cooler Oakville / Yountville sector of Napa. It exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as a beautiful bouquet of subtle new oak interwoven with black currants, smoke, licorice, and a hint of spring flowers. The wine is full-bodied, with excellent density, admirable balance, and fine purity, a hallmark of this estate. It should drink nicely for two decades. Proprietors Suzie and Paul Frank sold this vineyard to Carol and Michael Marks, but I do not expect many changes as Philippe Melka remains in charge of the winemaking. Gemstone’s 17-acre vineyard is the fruit source for these two cuvees, the Facets and the flagship wine, Gemstone Proprietary Red. Tel. (707) 944-0944; Fax (707) 945-0235
(cabernet sauvignon with 2% petit verdot) Good bright ruby. Crushed blackberry and licorice on the nose; today this comes across as cooler than the 2005. Dense, supple, layered and deep, with chewy but somewhat clenched flavors of primary black fruits and bitter chocolate. In a distinctly masculine style and still rather raw. This will need time to harmonize and to integrate its oak. There are 17 different combinations of varieties and clones in this 17-acre vineyard, which owners Paul and Suzie Frank recently sold to a California couple. The Franks will continue to serve as consultants here, and Philippe Melka remains in charge of winemaking.