1992 Pine Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District

The 1992 Cabernet Sauvignon-Stag's Leap admirably reveals the vintage's tell-tale characteristics such as (1) a superb saturated color, (2) a forceful, aromatic profile of roasted, rich, cassis scents, and (3) a sweet, expansive, unctuously-textured palate. With low acid, this forward, gorgeously concentrated Cabernet will offer considerable pleasure in its youth, but last for 15 or more years. Winemaker/proprietor Gary Andrus is frequently hitting the bull's eye. If readers have not followed Pine Ridge's recent releases, they should give the wines reviewed in this issue a try as just about everything has increased significantly in quality. All of these wines will be bottled without fining or filtration. Tasting 1994 cuvees of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot at Pine Ridge's magnificent underground caves made me think that this will be the vintage that pushes this well-run winery into Napa Valley's top echelon. Tel. (707) 253-7500