Pine Ridge Vineyards

We were in between appointments at Garguilo and Palmaz when we decided to stop by Pine Ridge Vineyards and taste their reds.

We tried the following:

2007 Pine Ridge Oakville Cabernet

2007 Pine Ridge Stag's Leap Cabernet

2007 Pine Ridge Howell Mountain Cabernet

2005 Pine Ridge Andrus Reserve

2007 Pine Ridge Fortis

Keep in mind that I had just left the amazing Garguilo so anything that wasn't awesome would likely taste terrible to me.

The Andrus Reserve and the Fortis were outstanding.

Here are the tasting notes on the Fortis. I definitely tasted the cherry:

Fortis presents the absolute pinnacle of richness and complexity. It displays an intense array of aromas including juicy plum, ripe blackberries and black currant balanced with baking spices, brown sugar and dark cocoa. The wine explodes on the palate with supple fruit notes of warm black cherry and cassis amid hints of espresso, toast and light vanilla that continues through the unrelenting finish. Firm tannins and a robust structure affirm the tremendous aging potential of this wine, which in its youth, would show best after decanting for at least one hour.

Varietal 77% Cabernet Sauvignon,
13% Petit Verdot, 8% Malbec, 1% Merlot, 1% Cabernet FrancAppellation: Napa Valley
Alcohol: 13.9%

Aging Potential: up to 15 years SRP: $140

Release Date: September 1, 2010

Here are the tasting notes on the 2005 Andrus Reserve, which is only available from the winery:


A luscious nose of blueberry pie, dark cherry and boysenberry fruit, enlivined with hints of red cinnamon and cigar box spice explodes out of the glass at first swirl. On the palate, the 2005 Andrus Reserve shows youthful tannins, firm and chewy, that support the rich black current, cherry-berry flavors all the way through a long finish accented with notes of vanilla, cream, brown butter and oak spice. Enjoy this wine now or cellar it for up to 15 years.