2002 Gemstone Red Facets of Gemstone
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Tasting notes
(53% merlo t, 42% cabernet sauvignon, 3% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot) Good deep ruby. Blackberry, minerals, mint, licorice and violet on the nose, with the superripe merlo t currently dominating. Then round and seamless but quite dry, showing more volume than flavor complexity. Offers a large frame but is not nearly as filled in as the estate's flagship bottling from vintage 2002. Finishes with big, slightly unrefined tannins.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(a 66/34 blend of merlot and cabernet sauvignon) Good full ruby-red. Brooding aromas of cassis and smoke; seems riper than the 2001. Then sweet and quite rich, with sappy flavors of cassis and mint. Lusher and more consistent than the 2001, perhaps due to the higher merlot content. Finishes with late notes of cassis and shoe polish, with supple but firm tannins reaching the front teeth.
A preliminary blend of the 2002 Facets One was tasted, and it certainly shows the vintage’s power, richness, and exuberant character. It possesses a deep purple color as well as a big, smoky, earthy, full-bodied style displaying notions of black fruits, cappuccino, and wood smoke along with loads of power and richness. Less delineated (of course, it’s one year younger) than the 2001, with sweeter tannin as well as higher alcohol, it unquestionably has outstanding potential. Tel. (707) 944-8493; Fax (707) 945-0235