2010 Cabernet Sauvignon
Yountville
For 2012 Premiere Napa Valley, winemaker Philippe Melka created a blend that best represents the classic characteristics of Gemstone: rich, concentrated, layers of deep black fruit, earthy minerality and power. It is a reflection of select vineyard blocks from the 16-acre estate, with Cabernet Sauvignon dominating the blend. Situated on a gentle, west-facing slope on the eastern side of the Yountville appellation, the vineyard is divided into micro-blocks of five clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, and two clones each of Merlot, Cabernet France and Petit Verdot. The vines are densely planted on a variety of rootstocks carefully matched to the soil, and each clonal block is farmed separately. Aged in 100% new French oak, this wine will be bottled unfiltered and will continue improve with age.
18 months - 70% New French Oak
bone dry |
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very sweet |
light body |
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very full bodied |
soft, gentle |
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very crisp |
no tannins |
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heavy tannins |
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Winemaker, Gemstone
Philippe spent much of his early life in Bordeaux, receiving his geology degree in 1989 from the University of Bordeaux. In his final year of study, he took a wine course purely out of sheer curiosity, and from that moment on realized his passion and future lay in the world of wine.
In 1991 he completed a masters program in Agronomy and Enology under the direction of Professor Sequin, a reputed specialist with regard to terroir. Philippe was fascinated by the relationship between soil and wine quality and his appreciation of the study of soil agronomy continues to this day in his work as a viticulturist as well as winemaker.
Philippe set out for the New World to discover its wines and expand his knowledge in the process. In 1991-1992, he worked for Dominus in both winemaking and vineyard management. He split 1992 between working harvest at Chittering Estate in western Australia, and returning to Dominus to study grape maturation and ideal picking times.
In 1993, Philippe studied soils at Badia a Coltibuono in Italy as well as the emerging Sangiovese varietal. In the spring of that year, he was once again on French soil, joining the J. P. Moueix company in Libourne, where he stayed until returning to Napa Valley in 1994 to devote himself to winemaking and continuing soil studies.
Country born: France
Education: Geology degree - University of Bordeaux
Master's Degreee Agronomy and Enology - University of Bordeaux
Professor Sequin at University of Bordeaux - a reputed specialist with regard to terroir.
Years in the wine industry: 15-20 years
Winemaking Philosophy:
To create wines tht expresses the voice of its native soil.
7325 Shelby View Drive
Midvale UT 84047
801-277-9919
Premiere Napa Valley Wine Collection
Winery | Vintage | Variety | Appellation | Fanciful | Auction |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gemstone Vineyard | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Yountville | 16 | |
Paradigm Winery | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | 16 | |
ROY Estate | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Voix Basse (a whisper) | 16 |
Schrader Cellars, LLC | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Double Diamond "B2 Bomber" | 15 |
Stags’ Leap Winery | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 15 | |
Amuse Bouche Winery | 2008 | Merlot | Napa Valley | 14 | |
Far Niente | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Martin Stelling Vineyard | 14 |
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