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.

Gamble Family Vineyards

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.

Gamble Family Vineyards
A luscious blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon ($60) is from grapes selected from some of Gamble Family Vineyards’ favorite sites in Napa Valley. Aromas of dark cherries, milk chocolate, earth, smoke, sweet tobacco, vanilla and caramel were intense. The balanced, complex palate was just as enticing with notes of spice, red and black fruit, blueberries and roasted coffee beans, as well as firm tannins and just-right acidity. This beauty was aged in French, Hungarian and American oak for 20 months before release.

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.

Gamble Family Vineyards
Ahhh, 2016 Paramount ($90) is a brilliant blend of four Bordeaux varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. “The goal is to showcase the best of 2016, the best that vineyards and winemaker achieved that year. At the core of the blend is Family Home Cabernet Sauvignon from our Oakville knoll-top vineyard,” shared Tom. Merlot is from Oakville on a site below the Family Home vineyards, Cabernet Franc is from a low-yielding vineyard in St. Helena and Petit Verdot is from a vineyard on the slopes of Mount St. Helena.

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.

Gamble Family Vineyards
A small selection of wines from Gamble Family Vineyards is available in many states, but key markets are California, Texas, Florida and Illinois. In Chicago, Paramount is offered at Swift and Sons, The Peninsula Hotel, Gibson’s Italia and Woodwind American Bistro. In California, it’s found on the wine list at The French Laundry in Yountville, Montage in Beverly Hills, Marlowe in San Franciso and 71 Above in Los Angeles. To find the wines in your area, visit the Gamble Family Vineyards website by clicking here for distribution or here for member offerings.

Cheers! ~ Cindy

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