2003 Gemstone Facets - USA, California, Napa Valley (5/28/2006) Just popped and poured based on Paul Frank's rec. DON'T DO THIS... it needs air. Initial nose was closed. I could get faint notes of sweet blackberry, but that was it. I thought it was still suffering from bottle shock. I poured the rest into a decanter and vigorously swirled. After about 1 hour this really opened up and started to sing. Sweet dark fruit, blackberry mostly with some cassis and black cherry. Nice hints of chocolate and vanilla in the background. Medium-long finish. Went great with the grilled NY Strips we had for dinner. With air, this is a great wine, with a long life ahead. 91-93 points. (92 pts.)
Had this a couple of nights ago. Much better than the '02. I would agree completely with your notes and score. I didn't think it needed all that much decanting though. It's tannic, but showed pretty well for us right out of the gates.
So much wine.....so little time!!!
Posts: 6824 | Location: San Francisco | Registered: Jun 20, 2002
