Description
The 80 hectare Pine Ridge estate was founded in 1978 when Gary Andrus planted the property’s original vineyard in Stags Leap on a terraced hillside flanked by a ridge of pine trees. They now have vineyards across five sub-zones in Napa: four in the Stags Leap District; three in Rutherford; three in Carneros and one each in Howell Mountain and Oakville. This diversity gives winemaker Josh Widaman many different blending options for the stunning Napa Cabernet. The vineyards are sustainably managed in order to squeeze as much character and sense of place out of the grapes as possible.
Grapes for the Napa Valley Cabernet, which includes a small proportion of Petit Verdot, Tannat, Merlot and Cabernet Franc in the blend, are sourced from several premier sites throughout the Napa Valley. The closely spaced vines and attentive farming of the vineyard blocks contribute to the bright, complex layers of flavour that characterise this wine. Winemaker Josh Widaman, who joined Pine Ridge in 2020, has introduced a few changes to the cellar including the oak ageing of the Napa Cabernet. including moving from using American oak to French oak (one third new) for 18 months prior to bottling.
Inviting aromas of dark chocolate, black berries, spice plum and spearmint on the nose. The palate is full bodied and complex, with opulent fruit and spiced notes structured by firm, grainy tannins.