Tom Gamble, owner of Gamble Family Vineyards in Oakville, California, has blended a storied family history with a passion for honoring terroir to produce premium wine. As proprietor of the winery that consists of 175 acres of estate vineyards from Oakville, Yountville, Mt. Veeder and Rutherford, AVAs in Napa Valley’s Oakville District, he and his team produce prestigious, beautifully balanced wines.
After having tasted three wines (as samples) from his portfolio, I was impressed with each wine’s exceptional palate profile and ability to pair with a range of foods. As a follow-up to my discoveries, Tom and I corresponded and the result of our conversation was my recent article, Q&A with Tom Gamble of Gamble Family Vineyards. Enjoy the read and explore the compelling story of Tom, his family background, environmental philosophy, sustainable practices in the vineyards, thoughts about favorite vintages and more.
Tom Gamble – Photo Credit: www.stylechicago.com
About those wines, though! Tom states that “we strive to make truly memorable wines, wines made to be enjoyed over several hours, with good food and those you love.” Gamble Family Vineyards’ Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc and Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon are made exclusively for their restaurant and retail partners. Also produced for allocation to both retail partners along with their loyal wine club members is their Paramount Red Blend. A small amount of wines for wine club members are found at the winery in Oakville and tastings are by invitation only.
The first wine I tasted was 2018 Gamble Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc ($28.99). Of 100% Sauvignon Blanc from clones originating in the Loire Valley and Bordeaux, the wine offered layers upon layers of flavor. On the nose, I found notes of honeysuckle, green grass, ginger, peach flesh, apricot, white pepper and a burst of minerality. The crisp, dry palate offered much of the same plus elements of fresh grapefruit, green tea, lime, lemon grass, and a hint of dill.
Tom remarked that he doesn’t know whether he shares more of the Sauvignon Blanc or the Rosé at gatherings with friends. “These two wines are always on the table and taken to dinner invitations.” As a food pairing, he enjoys his wife’s version of salad niçoise with Gamble Family Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc. My pairing with this refreshing wine was grilled salmon steaks in orange-lime marinade, a delightful match especially on a warm and breezy spring evening.
As a food pairing, Tom suggested opening a bottle or two whenever a beef dish is served. His favorite? “My wife’s beef bourguignon is delish!” Although I didn’t attempt to make that classic dish, I made a rich and savory lasagna with mushrooms, Italian herbs and spices, premium beef and cheeses. Each bite was complemented with sips of the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon.
Bursting from the glass were notes of dried figs, coffee, gingerbread cookie, dark red fruit and black cherries. On the palate, baking spices, ripe plums, rosemary, sage, cherry compote, cocoa and vanilla were enveloped with vibrant acidity and soft tannins. Aged in French oak for 20 months before release, this wine is one that Tom Gamble felt “for reds I’d definitely share Paramount with others. This wine is a staple at Thanksgiving and has elegance and power, appealing to a wide cross section of wine lovers.” With my 2016 Paramount, I opted for a bold pairing: Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine-Style Steak) seasoned with rosemary, sage, salt and pepper, then tossed on the grill and enjoyed as rare as possible! The pairing was exceptional.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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