Pine Ridge Vineyards

Wines

Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District, 2007

Our steep, densely-planted Stags Leap District vineyard has been the heart of the winery since Pine Ridge Vineyards was founded here in 1978.

Vineyards

The Stags Leap District’s moderate temperatures, influenced by the San Pablo Bay, leads to slow, even fruit development throughout the growing season. The majority of our estate vineyards in this region are densely planted with Bordeaux varietals on steeply-terraced hillsides with Bale clay-loam soils, producing low yields of intensely flavored grapes.

Harvest & Winemaking

The 2007 vintage had many ups and downs, with an early, cool start and several heat waves throughout the growing season resulting in smaller bunches of small, intensely flavored berries harvested from late September to mid-October. The grapes were sorted with an intensive triple selection process before crushing and macerated on the skins 20 to 25 days. The wines were aged in 75% new and 25% 2-year old French oak for 14 months before being bottled in April 2009.

Tasting Notes

This powerful wine offers youthful aromas of lush black plum, cherry and berry fruit enriched with hints of toasted pecans and sweet vanilla. The entry on the palate is intense, with a solid core of dark fruit, mouthwatering acidity and a velvety texture that balances the muscular tannins. The finish slowly draws to a close with notes of milk chocolate, coffee and caramel lingering to the last. Decant for up to an hour before serving to allow its complex flavors full expression.

Food Pairing

Though framed with brawny tannins, the exuberant fruit makes this wine accessible in its youth. Try it now with dry-rubbed meats, lush sauces and grilled dishes, which will complement the fruit while taming the tannins. As age softens the structure, pair it with simple, subtle dishes like prime rib, mushroom-stuffed chicken breasts and Italian cheeses.

  • Varietal
  • 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec, 4% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc
  • Appellation
  • Stags Leap District, Napa Valley
  • Alcohol
  • 14.1%
  • Released
  • March 2010
  • Aging Potential
  • 15-20 years


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