Pine Ridge Winery – 27
Thursday, February 24th, 2005
Pine Ridge Winery is one of those about whom I knew nothing before this blog. I knew of their reputation, but I had never tasted their wines. I placed them in the Stag’s Leap District appellation because that is where there building is located. However, they utilize fruit from five different appellations for their extensive wine list. I was most intrigued with a Howell Mountain Cabernet that they make, but was told that it generally goes to wine club members exclusively and is never tasted in the retail outlet.
The building is expansive and the classic adobe style of California architecture that I grew up with. The tasting room is spare and elegant. A large floral display the only formal decoration. It is not cluttered with mundane tourist items found almost everywhere else. It was rather refreshing in its sparcity. The gentleman who poured for me was elderly and had been with the company for 17 years. No nonense and no hard sell. Just informative on their quality product.
2003 Dijon Clones Chardonnay – 100% ML and one-half of the wine sees new oak. Significant butter bouquet gives way to secondary tropical fruit tones in the nose. Brighter and more clean on the palate than I anticipated considering the heavier butter aromas. Flavors of peach and more tropical fruit dominate. $27.00
2001 Crimson Creek Merlot – 60% of the fruit for this wine comes from Carneros and the other 40% comes from Rutherford. It is actually 76% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Malbec. A slight engagement of green bell pepper hits the nose but gives way to brown sugar and nutmeg. Dark berries dominate the palate and the slightly acidic finish indicates the wine should be cellared for another five to eight years. $27.00
2001 Charmstone – A "proprietary" bland of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc. Clear garnet color and substantial bell pepper aromas couple with a hint of brambleberry. Hot cinnamon mid-palate somewhat overwhelmed me. $30.00
2001 Cabernet Franc – Bright ruby color produced an earthy, barnyard bell pepper tone. Significant roasted flavors predominate with a surprisingly thin finish. $35.00
2001 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon – 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Tannat. Again, classic bell pepper aromas up front, gives way to some black olive and black pepper. Tasting produced a brighter, smoother mouth feel than the nose predicted. Long finish of black fruit. $39.00
2000 Andrus Reserve – Another "proprietary" blend of the Bordeaux varietals all planted in the Rutherford appellation. Dark, rustic flavors of roasted coffee and oak fill the bouquet and anticipate flavors of mocha in the mouth. A slight vanilla finish which was long and predicted a wine which would age well. $95.00
Pine Ridge Winery ~ 5901 Silverado Trail ~ Napa ~ CA ~ 94558 ~ 707-252-9777