2009 Gemstone Red
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Tasting notes
(this bottling was previously called Facets; a blend of 68% cabernet sauvignon, 24% merlot and 4% each cabernet franc and petit verdot): Good full ruby. Cool aromas of blueberry, anise, herbs and licorice. Supple on entry, then a bit clenched in the middle, with fairly pronounced herbal and menthol notes to the flavors of black fruits, chocolate and spices. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins. This Yountville estate changed hands in 2008, and the new owners are now keeping all the fruit for their own estate bottlings.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2009 Red Wine is a gorgeous, fleshy offering laced with expressive dark red fruit, flowers, mint and licorice. It shows wonderful radiance and silkiness in a hugely approachable and flat-out delicious style. I especially like the pliancy and generosity of the finish. The 2009 is 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot that spent 21 months in French oak barrels, 67% new.
The 2009 Red Wine is a gorgeous, fleshy offering laced with expressive dark red fruit, flowers, mint and licorice. It shows wonderful radiance and silkiness in a hugely approachable and flat-out delicious style. I especially like the pliancy and generosity of the finish. The 2009 is 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot that spent 21 months in French oak barrels, 67% new. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. Gemstone fans will notice changes to the estate’s wine names. The old Facets bottling is now known simply as “Red Wine,” while the flagship Proprietary Red is now labeled as Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2009 and 2010 vintages both incorporate 2% Petit Verdot. The Cabernet is fermented in concrete while the Petit Verdot is fermented in a single 225 French oak barrel. Tel. (707) 944-0944