Award winning Cabernet from the famed 16 acre estate vineyard in Yountville
The 16-acre Gemstone Estate vineyard is truly a study in terroir. Named because it’s diversity and dimensions reminded the original owners of it’s namesake (and no, it does not shine bright like a diamond, but it is multi-faceted and extra precious!). Divided into 20 micro-blocks; including eight clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, two clones each of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot and one clone of Chardonnay. All of the vines are densely planted to a variety of rootstocks carefully matched to the soil. Their work in plotting and planting the vineyard has been used as a roadmap for many vineyards and wineries for the past 25 years. Winemaker Julien Fayard creates three small-production estate Cabernet Sauvignons, Heritage, Alluvial and Ruby Barrel – each a stylistically distinct expression of the estate vineyard.
