Country: USA Region: Napa Valley Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon  Vintage: 2018 Colour: Red Style: Dry Producer: Pine Ridge Cellars Description: This 80 hectare estate was founded in 1978 when Gary Andrus planted the propertys 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 Michael Beaulac many different blending options from which to choose each year, the results of which can bee seen in the stunningly high quality of the wines they produce. Vineyards The fruit for this vintage was chosen from several premier sites throughout the Napa Valley. Closely spaced vines and attentive farming of the vineyard blocks that produced the crop contributed to the bright, complex layers of flavour that characterise this bottling. Vintage information With consistently mild temperatures throughout spring and summer, 2012 was a stellar vintage in Napa Valley, allowing slow, even ripening and yielding exquisite, balanced fruit. The fruit for this wine was harvested at an optimal level of ripeness in late September through October. Vinification The berries were handharvested at night, carefully sorted and destemmed to tank, where fermentation took place. Then, the wine was racked to 35% new American oak barrels, where it was aged for 18 months prior to bottling.   Tasting Notes With layered aromas of fresh red raspberry, blackberry pie and ripe cassis, this deep ruby wine captures the senses with fragrant dried violet, gingersnap, dark cocoa and sweet basil impressions. The palate opens with red cherry, juicy blueberry and red plum fruits that intermingle with hints of cinnamon stick and pie crust. The complex array of flavors lasts through the lingering finish, framed by velvety tannins and echoes of cherry cordial and roasted espresso bean. Food Matches: Seafood / Chicken / Mussels / Hors d'Oeuvres