Gemstone Vineyards
Estate Red Blend
Yountville, Napa Valley, California, USA
I added this bottle to the cellar a little over six years ago when my tastes were different. Weighing in at 15.2% ABV, I had some concerns about longevity and since it was my daughter’s tenth birthday, it seemed like a great excuse to open this 2009 bottle now. The cork came out intact and in very good condition. Color was dark garnet with no visual signs of age although there was quite a bit of sediment. My expectations were low-ish due to the ABV and the anticipated style being over the top and initially, my suspicions were supported as this came across rather hot and disjointed. However, there seemed to be quality in the glass and since I’m a curious person, I couldn’t help but wonder if this could use some air to bring out more redeeming qualities. We ended up pouring 3/4 of the bottle into the decanter to see if we could coax out it’s best. After about 90min this became quite intriguing with notes of ginger root, cardamom, vanilla, tobacco, blackberry liqueur, and dark cherry. It was still a touch hot but that seemed to be subsiding and this was clearly benefiting from air. The tannins were still quite firm and the finish was long and rich. We enjoyed what was left in the decanter and saved the remainder for the next day. On Day 2, the heat was all but gone and the wine had softened. It was delicious! Still full of character though the dark cherries had taken a more central role. Does this mean that high ABV wines can age well? Maybe...but I guess it’s more important to keep an open mind and be patient.
I added this bottle to the cellar a little over six years ago when my tastes were different. Weighing in at 15.2% ABV, I had some concerns about longevity and since it was my daughter’s tenth birthday, it seemed like a great excuse to open this 2009 bottle now. The cork came out intact and in very good condition. Color was dark garnet with no visual signs of age although there was quite a bit of sediment. My expectations were low-ish due to the ABV and the anticipated style being over the top and initially, my suspicions were supported as this came across rather hot and disjointed. However, there seemed to be quality in the glass and since I’m a curious person, I couldn’t help but wonder if this could use some air to bring out more redeeming qualities. We ended up pouring 3/4 of the bottle into the decanter to see if we could coax out it’s best. After about 90min this became quite intriguing with notes of ginger root, cardamom, vanilla, tobacco, blackberry liqueur, and dark cherry. It was still a touch hot but that seemed to be subsiding and this was clearly benefiting from air. The tannins were still quite firm and the finish was long and rich. We enjoyed what was left in the decanter and saved the remainder for the next day. On Day 2, the heat was all but gone and the wine had softened. It was delicious! Still full of character though the dark cherries had taken a more central role. Does this mean that high ABV wines can age well? Maybe...but I guess it’s more important to keep an open mind and be patient.
Jan 12th, 2019
Owner of the girl & the fig, the fig cafe & winebar, Author of Plats du Jours, the girl & the fig's Journey through the Seasons in Wine Country and the girl & the fig Cookbook
So smooooooth, rich and velvety.
So smooooooth, rich and velvety.
Sep 20th, 2017
10' Gemstone Estate Red . 😕 Time could possibly help this. For the moment, complexity is😕.
10' Gemstone Estate Red . 😕 Time could possibly help this. For the moment, complexity is😕.
Jun 25th, 2017
This was a mouthful! Rich and powerful, excellent dusty tannins. Great cassis and blackberry fruit.
This was a mouthful! Rich and powerful, excellent dusty tannins. Great cassis and blackberry fruit.
Jan 14th, 2017Double decanted. Gobs of raisins blackberry, cassis, black tea, and baking spices. Really soft tannin with acid keeping things balanced. Chocolate/coffee finish with a green/herbal character that could be the vintage or cab franc. I enjoyed this, but can imagine the non-2011s being too much.
Double decanted. Gobs of raisins blackberry, cassis, black tea, and baking spices. Really soft tannin with acid keeping things balanced. Chocolate/coffee finish with a green/herbal character that could be the vintage or cab franc. I enjoyed this, but can imagine the non-2011s being too much.
Dec 24th, 2015
Dark mocha on the expressive nose. Dark blackberry and graphite. Mouthwatering finish.
Dark mocha on the expressive nose. Dark blackberry and graphite. Mouthwatering finish.
Nov 24th, 2015
Really nice wine. Love a good merit age.
Really nice wine. Love a good merit age.
Sep 18th, 2015
Little hot, gorgeous black fruit. Ripe, hot vintage but well balanced. Currants, cassis, firm chewy tannins. Killing it with rib eye.
Little hot, gorgeous black fruit. Ripe, hot vintage but well balanced. Currants, cassis, firm chewy tannins. Killing it with rib eye.
Jul 24th, 2015
Really solid Meritage, great acid to balance the dark fruit. Oak is balanced and moderate.
Really solid Meritage, great acid to balance the dark fruit. Oak is balanced and moderate.
Sep 10th, 2014