2001 Livingston-Moffett Gemstone Vineyard

The more austere, dense ruby/purple-colored 2001 Gemstone Vineyard Proprietary Red (54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 14% Petit Verdot and 9% Cabernet Franc) is a leaner, earthier effort displaying plenty of loamy soil notes intermixed with tobacco leaf and new oak characteristics as well as abundant tannin. No doubt the Petit Verdot component has given the wine a rigid structure. Whether that will soften and become more charming remains an open question. www.livingstonwines.com