Introduction
The 2022 Pine Ridge Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley is a rich, structured wine that exemplifies the bold character and finesse of Napa’s Cabernets. Pine Ridge, a respected producer in the Stags Leap District, sources this wine from some of the valley’s premier vineyard sites, resulting in a wine that showcases both power and elegance. This Cabernet Sauvignon offers layers of dark fruit, polished tannins, and a touch of oak, making it both approachable in its youth and capable of aging.
Terrior
Napa Valley is renowned for its ideal conditions for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, with warm, sunny days and cool nights that allow grapes to ripen fully while preserving acidity. Pine Ridge sources grapes from multiple AVAs within Napa Valley, including the Stags Leap District, Rutherford, and Oakville, which each contribute unique elements to the wine. These regions are characterized by well-draining gravel, volcanic, and clay-loam soils that enhance the concentration, depth, and structure of the wine.
Appearance
Deep, inky purple with garnet edges, showing high intensity and viscosity, indicating a rich and concentrated style.
Nose
The nose is intense and layered, with primary aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, and dark cherry. There are subtle hints of violets, along with secondary notes of cocoa, espresso, and a touch of dried herbs like thyme and sage. Oak aging adds nuances of vanilla, cedar, and a hint of sweet baking spices.
Palate
On the palate, this Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied with a plush, velvety texture. The flavors are dominated by dark fruit—blackberry, plum, and cassis—balanced by notes of mocha, tobacco, and a subtle earthy minerality. The tannins are firm yet polished, providing a solid structure, while the acidity is well-integrated, lending freshness and balance to the richness of the fruit. The oak influence is noticeable but restrained, adding depth without overwhelming the fruit character.
Finish
The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering flavors of dark fruit, cocoa, and a hint of spice. The tannins are persistent, providing a slight grip that fades gracefully, promising further development with aging.
Overall Impression
The 2022 Pine Ridge Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is a beautifully balanced wine, showcasing the quality and depth of Napa Valley Cabernet. Its rich fruit, integrated tannins, and well-judged oak make it an impressive wine that is enjoyable now, but with the structure to age gracefully for another 8-10 years. Ideal for pairing with steak, lamb, or hearty stews, this wine is a standout for those who appreciate Napa’s signature style.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 14.8%
Farming Practices: Sustainable
Producer Name: Pine Ridge Vineyards
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: United States
Region: Napa Valley, California
Grape Varietals: Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, with small amounts of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec for added complexity
Vintage: 2022
Wine Style: Red, Full-Bodied
Winemaking Techniques: Fermented in stainless steel, aged in French oak barrels (a mix of new and used) for 18-20 months
Pack Size: 750ml
Container Style: Glass bottle
Closure Style: Cork