Once we have assembled our dark, super-rich blend of GEMSTONE, we look at other combinations that express exquisite but different "facets" of the vineyard. One of those blends leaped out at us.

So the idea of bottling "FACETS" was born!

Facets 2002 may be even more lush and seductive than the 2001. It is a blend of 100% Gemstone Vineyard estate-grown fruit, composed of 53% super-rich Merlot rounded with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Robert Parker tasted an early blend of the 2002 while it was a work in progress. He noted the above quote in the December 2003 issue of “The Wine Advocate”.

"Facets" Chardonnay?

When we acquired the tiny jewel-like slope of vineyard that became Gemstone, it was planted entirely to an old clone of Chardonnay that had its "roots" in a Mersault commune of Burgundy. Although we were sure that the noble varietals of Bordeaux belonged on that slope, a flat little peninsula at the bottom of the vineyard produced Chardonnay fruit of extraordinary richness and character. We decided that this block was too good to change.

While we concentrated our efforts on establishing GEMSTONE, we sold this Chardonnay fruit to other wineries, making just a bit for our own personal consumption. (Yes, we do enjoy a glass of great "albino" wine!) When a group of visiting restaureteurs tasted it, however, they easily convinced us to make some for them, bottling it under their house labels. Perhaps you have enjoyed it (unknowingly) at a few of America's most prestigious restaurants.

When we poured this Chardonnay at winemaker dinners, many asked that we share some of this golden treasure. Winemaker Andy, who is recognized for having a deft talent with Chardonnay, agreed that this is a unique wine that our "Gem-Friends" would enjoy. He says, "this is a white wine that red wine drinkers will enjoy" and will make a popular FACETS release.

We again offer a very small bottling of Facets Chardonnay 2003 from our rare and intensely rich clone of Chardonnay. Its’ earthy minerality with layers of hazelnut and honeysuckle make it a white wine rich enough to satisfy red wine drinkers! Many have said that its stony character is characteristic of the noble “Mersault” heritage of these vines, but with an added lush creaminess. We still bottle most of it private labeled for a few great restaurants, but saved a bit for our “Gem Frineds”.

Ordering Information
We regret that all Gemstone and Facets wines are sold out at this time. Please visit our restaurants page for availability near you.

Please provide your mailing information on the Gemstone contact page for possible future availability; we thank you for your patience.