Recently, my wife Linda and I visited Gemstone Vineyard in Yountville. Long time Northern California residents, the Marks Family, purchased this Napa Vineyard in 2008.
Well known Napa Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown creates 3 worldly acclaimed wines, Heritage, Alluvial and Ruby Red Selection on this pristine 16-acre property.
Per the web site, “Like every precious stone, every wine is unique.”
Shauna was our knowledgeable host today. We enjoyed her passion and joy as she explained the details of these world class Cabernets and the history of the estate. We were treated to a side by side tasting in the newly remodeled tasting room overlooking their vineyard on a sun splashed morning.
We tasted the 2016 Heritage and Alluvial 100% Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Both were rich, full bodied wines with exceptional smooth finishes that were a joy to sample. The Heritage had an inky rich color and was bursting with multiple fruit flavors. The Alluvial was more complex with a sensational structure designed for any future special occasion. 2016 is being described by wine critics and vintners as a near-perfect growing season in Napa.
We especially enjoyed the Heritage and took a few bottles back to Danville with us. We would highly recommend tasting both of these wines to our wine enthusiast friends.
After the tasting, we enjoyed lunch at the famous Thomas Keller’s newest Mexican restaurant in Yountville, La Calenda meaning ‘celebration’.
The decor and service were warm and friendly. It was also very fun watching these Mexican masterpieces being prepared in their open kitchen.
We especially enjoyed the mushroom and fish tacos, margaritas and churros for dessert. There are no reservations required and they are open every day for lunch or dinner.
For more information and to make a reservation, go to:
http://www.gemstonevineyard.com/
