2001 Gemstone Red
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Tasting notes
A fabulous effort, Gemstone’s 2001 is a 642-case blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. Proprietor Paul Frank (a former jeweler, hence the name) has turned a great winemaker loose, resulting in a powerful, rich red with a French-like elegance and complexity. Its deep purple color is accompanied by a sweet, complex nose of spice box, creme de cassis, anise, and white flowers. Dense, full-bodied, restrained, and perfectly balanced, this beauty can be drunk now and over the next 15+ years. Kudos to proprietor Paul Frank. Tel. (707) 944-0944; Fax (707) 945-0235
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(cabernet sauvignon blended with 7% merlot and 6% cabernet franc) Full medium ruby. Roasted, musky aromas of cassis, bitter chocolate, mocha, licorice and shoe polish. Lush, sweet and concentrated, with superripe, sappy flavors of cassis and menthol. Conveys an impression of strong extract. Finishes with fine, building tannins and very persistent dark fruit flavor.
(a representative blend of 88% cabernet sauvignon, 8% merlot and 4% cabernet franc) Good saturated ruby. Fruit-driven aromas of bitter cherry, currant, blackberry, blueberry and dark chocolate, with dusty and minty notes. Sweet and creamy but juicy, with lively, primary black fruit and mineral flavors supported by solid spine. Finishes with subtle persistence and very lush tannins. Comes across as strong yet gently extracted. Tasted separately, the cabernet component of this wine was focused and powerful, the merlot creamy and supple, the cab franc scented on the nose but distinctly softer in the middle.