Important Update From the Founder

Dinner and Conversation with Tom Gamble

1700 Degrees

Tasted April 12, 2019 by JS1056 with 115 views

Introduction

Dinner hosted by Tom Gamble, a true gentleman who marches to his own vision. This was really the first time I have had the chance to taste the Gamble Family wines and am very impressed.

Flight 1 - Diver Scallop, Watercress, King Crab, Curried Carrot, Tahini and Orange (1 note)

This was as good as it sounds. The mixture of flavors was great. The Heart Block was a great match to the food and it moved the wine up a notch or two.

White

2016 Gamble Family Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Heart Block USA, California, Napa Valley, Yountville

90 points

Citrus, tropical fruit. Richer in style than many SB. Very good match with the scallops and curry.

Although this was a very nice SB, it just doesn't reach the same heights as Favia Linea or Jonata, who it should be compared to.

Comment

Flight 2 - Foie Gras Torchon, Goat Cheese, Shishito Pepper, Pistachio, Radish, Truffle and Mint (1 note)

The Torchon was delicious. The wine played into the earthy flavors. The mint was a great touch.

Red

2015 Gamble Family Vineyards Cabernet Franc USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena

91 points

Very pretty wine. Red fruit is front and center, with flowery notes and some spice and green pepper. I think this wine needs a little more bottle time, to really reach all its potential.

1 person found this helpful Comment

Flight 3 - Roast Duck Breast Smoked Tomato Grits, Oyster Mushroom (1 note)

The smoked grits were phenomenal.
This was the one case where the wine and the food were probably better individually than as a pairing.
Not that the pairing wasn't good, its just that both the wine and the food were so so good.

Red

2014 Gamble Family Vineyards Paramount USA, California, Napa Valley

94 points

In my opinion this was the wine of the night. Wonderfully balanced it was hitting on all cylinders. Although there is great fruit here, it is still a subtle wine, with spice, leather, and tobacco. The finish continues for a long time. This is a wine that grows on you as the evening goes on.

1 person found this helpful Comment

Flight 4 - Wagyu Beef Ribs Smoke Cheddar, Cauliflower, Spring Onion, Mustard Seed (1 note)

Delicious ribs but honestly there wasn't a lot of meat on them However the flavor was great. The richness of the meat cut right through the young tannins of the wine. Well done.

Red

2014 Gamble Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Cairo USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

93 points

The biggest wine of the night, but it still had some elegance and finesse. Deep dark fruit, there are a lot of secondary notes here that I think will evolve over time. Cassis, cigar, and meat spices entwine with the fruit. The finish was long. Pretty tasty now, I think this will continue to improve for years.

Comment

Flight 5 - Chocolate Peanut Tart Candied Peanuts, Chocolate Sauce and Oreo Crumb (1 note)

The tart was excellent. But I am not a huge fan of chocolate and red wine (except for port) and I think that the wine never recovered in my mind. I would like to try this again sometime by itself

Red

2014 Gamble Family Vineyards Mary Ann Red USA, California, Napa Valley, Mt. Veeder

90 points

This wine was hurt somewhat by the dessert pairing. I am not a huge fan of chocolate and red wine.
Having said that, this was interesting. A little more vegetal than red fruit but in a good way. Bell pepper, rosemary and thyme along with cherry.

Comment

Closing

Thanks to Tom, Bill, Tony and all the staff at 1700.

Dinner and Conversation with Tom Gamble

1700 Degrees

Introduction

Flight 1 - Diver Scallop, Watercress, King Crab, Curried Carrot, Tahini and Orange (1 note)

Flight 2 - Foie Gras Torchon, Goat Cheese, Shishito Pepper, Pistachio, Radish, Truffle and Mint (1 note)

Flight 3 - Roast Duck Breast Smoked Tomato Grits, Oyster Mushroom (1 note)

Flight 4 - Wagyu Beef Ribs Smoke Cheddar, Cauliflower, Spring Onion, Mustard Seed (1 note)

Flight 5 - Chocolate Peanut Tart Candied Peanuts, Chocolate Sauce and Oreo Crumb (1 note)

Closing

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