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
Really nice wine. Love a good merit age.
Really nice wine. Love a good merit age.
Sep 18th, 2015
Let this breathe to get the best out of it. Beautiful color in the glass. Dark fruits; black cherry, blackberry. Touch of lactic acid on the nose. Smooth, but tannic. Drink with big, rich food; steak, dark chocolate, etc. some clove and savory spice on the finish. Happy 3rd anniversary!
Let this breathe to get the best out of it. Beautiful color in the glass. Dark fruits; black cherry, blackberry. Touch of lactic acid on the nose. Smooth, but tannic. Drink with big, rich food; steak, dark chocolate, etc. some clove and savory spice on the finish. Happy 3rd anniversary!
Jul 23rd, 2015Big wine that also possesses plenty of balance and freshness. Ripe, silky tannins frame a core of expressive fruit, floral notes
Big wine that also possesses plenty of balance and freshness. Ripe, silky tannins frame a core of expressive fruit, floral notes
Jul 8th, 2015
Great nose firm tannins mellow alcohol
Great nose firm tannins mellow alcohol
Nov 9th, 2013
Sarah had this 10 years ago
Sarah had this 10 years ago
Dec 8th, 2013Chris had this 11 years ago
Chris had this 11 years ago
Sep 12th, 2013
Dustin had this 11 years ago
Dustin had this 11 years ago
Aug 9th, 2013