2011 Gemstone Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Gemstone Vineyard was founded in the mid-1990s by Paul and Suzie Frank. The first releases were in 1997. When the Franks wanted to retire a decade later Michael Marks, a Silicon Valley technology executive, and his wife Carole bought the estate. Today the 17-acre estate makes Bordeaux-style wines. The winemaker is Philippe Melka, a native of Bordeaux who worked for Chateau Petrus and Haut-Brion and later at wineries in Australia and Italy. About 1,400 cases are produced annually. Gemstone makes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot-based blends and Chardonnay.

Yountville AVA is just west of Stags Leap and north of Oak Knoll. It is centered around the town of Yountville, named for George Yountville, who planted the area’s first vineyard in 1836. The district received appellation status in 1999 and it includes 4,000 vineyard acres. It is known for tannic Cabernet Sauvignon that has a reputation for aging well. Dominus Estate, formerly Napanook Vineyard, is one of the most prestigious producers in Yountville, and in all of Napa Valley.

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.