PINE RIDGE RUTHERFORD CABERNET SAUVIGNON - 2003

From Napa Valley. Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec blended in. 14.4% alcohol.

TASTING NOTES:

Rich red color and vibrant nose of raspberries and creamy oak. Loads of cherry and pomegranate are underscored by nice vanilla oak notes and a cranberry finish. Some tobacco, black fruits and minerality on the mid-palate. Somewhat chewy with great complexity as this wine evolves in the glass. Very smooth.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

92 PTS

Retails for around $45 a bottle. Very impressive wine that took me by surprise. I was not expecting as much depth and character based on some previous Pine Ridge Cabs I had recently tasted. Very pleased with this effort and worth the price tag.