2007 Gemstone Red
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Tasting notes
(blended with 3.5% each merlot and petit verdot; 15.2% alcohol) Bright ruby. Superripe aromas of kirsch and gravel, plus hints of licorice and dusty herbs; still quite youthfully unforthcoming. Dense and sweet but not at all over the top; shows a hot rock character and pronounced minerality that reminds me of Graves. The slightly liqueur-like quality continues on the palate, but this backward wine needs time to express itself. Finishes solidly tannic, with a pungent licorice quality and firm, dusty tannins. Showing the masculine side of cabernet.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The dense ruby/purple-colored 2007 Gemstone (90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc) reveals notes of ink, graphite, camphor, and sumptuous amounts of blue and black fruits along with an unmistakable minerality. This is a full-bodied, dense yet elegant red possessing both power and concentration that have not compromised its ethereal characteristics. Drink this beauty over the next 20-25+ years. Gemstone’s original founders, Paul and Suzie Frank, have retired and sold their vineyard to Michael and Carol Marks, who are committed to continue producing fine wines. Their second label, Facets, is one of the finest second wines made in Napa. Both the 2007 and 2008 are outstanding efforts. Tel. (707) 944-0944; Fax (707) 945-0235