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{ SOMMjournal.com } 99 with braised chanterelles and fava risotto; with this triumph of a dish, we tasted a trio of different GVF red wines. (See notes below). Naturally, conversation and debate over the best pairing ensued. As Lulu McAllister, Sommelier at NOPA in San Francisco put it, "It's great to taste Napa Valley wines with balance." As we savored the succulent lamb loin we took our time tasting the wines. I took the opportunity to ask a few of the attendees about their overall impressions of the experience. Sommelier, Cassandra Brown of Hakkasan in San Francisco, had visited Gamble before. "I met Tom for the first time in 2011 and I was taken by how genuine he was. When I tasted the wines, it wasn't that one or two of them were good—they were all good. I was thrilled to come back." Courtney Humiston, Wine Director at Dry Creek Kitchen in Healdsburg told me, "What impressed me about the Gamble family estate—the people, the place and the wines—is how authentic they are. The Gambles epitomize what Napa Valley is all about: growing good grapes, making good wine and inviting your community to share in the bounty around the table." After the main course, a memorable dessert of almond cakes with salted cream, bittersweet chocolate and wine-poached cherries arrived. At this point there were a lot of pleasure sounds being vocalized. But the fun did not end there; vineyard tour number two was next. It was a wonderful way to see expansive vineyards: The ladies climbed up into Tom Gamble's vintage pick-up truck. We sat on hay bales (skirts, heels and all) while National Sales Manager Colby Hagen led the tour and Tom chauffeured us around his fam - ily's historic ranch through the vineyards. Ultimately we arrived at the Gamble's crown jewel, their original knoll-top parcel of land where Tom's mother still resides, and the 3.5 acre Family Home Vineyard. There we had the opportunity to taste the 2010 Gamble Family Home Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine was sublime: resonant aromatics of earth and cassis, full yet dry flavors, balanced acidity and tannin, lingering, delicious finish. This wine represented everything that we had learned and enjoyed throughout the day. From the weather to the people to the food and wines, The SOMM Journal Women in Wine Luncheon was even better than as good as it gets. GAMBLE FAMILY VINEYARDS TASTING NOTES 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley Bright, fresh, aromas of lime, green papaya, parsley. Judicious use of oak lends to medium body while maintaining elevated acidity and clean, lingering citrus flavors. 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, Heart Block, Napa Valley Highly aromatic with peach, clementine, and a hint of custard. Medium plus body and robust flavors. Napa Valley SB made in the classic Pessac style. 2010 Heritage Sites, Napa Valley Made from head trained 40-year-old vines, this Zinfandel, Syrah, Charbono and Petit Sirah blend is a beauty in the glass and a triumph on the palate. Dark cherry, spice, and lively acidity make this wine a brilliant pairing with gamey meats and mushrooms. 2009 Paramount, Napa Valley This Bordeaux-style blend is developing with earthy aromatics and harmonious savory flavors. Leather, mushroom, and spice mingle with dark fruits leading to an exquisite finish. 2009 Old Vine Syrah, Napa Valley More than 45- to 50-year-old- plus Syrah vines render a deeply colored, highly floral and richly textured wine. Dark plum and eggplant skin harmonize with the spice and meatiness of this delicious red. 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Family Home Vineyard, Oakville, Napa Valley Profound nose of cassis, smoke, earth, dried fig lead to a full-bodied yet highly balanced wine with deep and lingering savory flavors. A triumph of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker Jim Close.