<p>The Gemstone Vineyard is a winemaker's delight. Situated in the Yountville AVA on the Rector Creek alluvial fan, it contains a diverse selection of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petite Verdot grapes with numerous clonal selections within these varietals.</p><p>Each of these grapes are vinified and kept separately for evaluation prior to blending. Only those components judged to be stand-alone quality are used in the blend, which results in a wine of phenomenal depth, richness and varietal character. The close collaboration of vineyard and winery is at the heart of our winemaking philosophy.</p><p>The 1998 Gemstone is a blend of 60% Cabernet, 25% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petite Verdot.</p><p><strong>91 Points, Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate:</strong></p><p>"With a limited production of 435 cases, the 1998 Gemstone Vineyard is the finest Livingston offering I have tasted in many years. It exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as sweet aromas of cassis, licorice, and oak. Full-bodied, fleshy, rich, and pure, this is a mouth-filling effort. Consume it over the next 15 years." (Feb. 2002)</p><p><strong>88 Points, Wine Spectator:</strong></p><p>"Showy with its lavish oak shadings, it's plush, with layers of currant, coffee, mocha, anise and mineral. Finishes with soft, fleshy tannins and a complex aftertaste. Drink now through 2007. 435 cases made. –JL" (5/31/2001)</p>
