PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Pine Ridge Vineyards has been making Napa Valley Cabernet since 1978, in the Stags Leap District on the Silverado Trail, and its Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is the winery’s flagship: a blend of fruit from several of Napa’s mountain and valley appellations, designed to show off the consistent, polished style the house is known for. The Somm Journal calls it “Pine Ridge’s flagship wine, a workhorse that features some Petite Sirah and sees both French and American oak.” The 2023 was the first vintage under new winemaker Josh Widaman, according to retailers.
The 2023 blend is 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 7% Petite Sirah, 5% Malbec, 1.5% Petit Verdot, and 1.5% Cabernet Franc, aged 18 months in French and American oak (about 35% new French and 15% new American). It’s 15.5% ABV per most listings. The winemaker’s note: “While admiring the cranberry red hue, forward fruit aromatics of black cherry and cassis begin to make your mouth water before the first sip! On the palate, juicy notes of blueberry compote and cherry cordial meld seamlessly with hints of cinnamon and cream soda. The wine methodically transitions from the bright, round entry through the viscous midpalate and onto a broad-shouldered finish. This is where hints of clove, graham cracker and toasted marshmallow are juxtaposed with those of dark roast coffee and Bing cherry. This wine can be enjoyed now but will benefit from another 10 to 20 years of bottle age.”
The scores are strong for a wine in its category. The Somm Journal scored it 95: “Tannins are teeth-kissing versus teeth-grabbing, while power and concentration are exhibited through a satin-lined mouthfeel that’s also juicy and fresh, with dark chocolate, plum, graphite, and sweet soil. The fruit shows balance between depth and restraint.” Decanter scored it 93: “Pine Ridge’s Napa Cabernet in 2023 is a pleasant wine that reveals blackberry and raspberry fruit alongside cola nut and mild Indian spices.” James Suckling scored it 92: “Bright and lifted aromas of blueberries, blackcurrants, violets and raspberry coulis. The palate is medium-bodied with vibrant acidity, a textural mouthfeel and a finish of licorice, blackberries and bitter chocolate. Succulent and focused. Drink or hold.” A Wine Spectator score of 92 was supplied.
It’s a plush, polished, widely appealing Napa Cabernet, the kind of wine that’s equally at home on a steakhouse list or at a dinner party, with the structure to age for a decade or more. Decant for 30 to 60 minutes, and serve at about 62-65°F, with ribeye, lamb, burgers, braised short ribs, and aged cheeses.
Pine Ridge Vineyards 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is produced by Pine Ridge Vineyards (Napa, California; est. 1978) from Napa Valley fruit across several appellations. A blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 7% Petite Sirah, 5% Malbec, 1.5% Petit Verdot, and 1.5% Cabernet Franc, aged 18 months in French and American oak. 15.5% ABV (per most listings), 750ml.
The Somm Journal — 95 Points:
“This is Pine Ridge’s flagship wine, a workhorse that features some Petite Sirah and sees both French and American oak. Tannins are teeth-kissing versus teeth-grabbing, while power and concentration are exhibited through a satin-lined mouthfeel that’s also juicy and fresh, with dark chocolate, plum, graphite, and sweet soil. The fruit shows balance between depth and restraint.”
Decanter — 93 Points:
“Pine Ridge’s Napa Cabernet in 2023 is a pleasant wine that reveals blackberry and raspberry fruit alongside cola nut and mild Indian spices.”
James Suckling — 92 Points:
“Bright and lifted aromas of blueberries, blackcurrants, violets and raspberry coulis. The palate is medium-bodied with vibrant acidity, a textural mouthfeel and a finish of licorice, blackberries and bitter chocolate. Succulent and focused. Drink or hold.”
Wine Spectator — 92 Points (as supplied; not independently verified for the 2023)
Pine Ridge (winemaker’s notes):
“Juicy notes of blueberry compote and cherry cordial meld seamlessly with hints of cinnamon and cream soda... This wine can be enjoyed now but will benefit from another 10 to 20 years of bottle age.”
Nose
Deep garnet with a dark violet rim. Blueberry, blackcurrant, violet, raspberry coulis, black cherry, and cassis, with cola nut and mild spice.
Palate
Medium- to full-bodied, juicy, and textural, with blueberry compote, plum, cherry cordial, dark chocolate, cinnamon, and graphite, with vibrant acidity and soft tannin.
Finish
Broad and long, with licorice, bitter chocolate, clove, graham cracker, and dark roast coffee.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Appellation | Napa Valley, California |
| Blend | 77% Cabernet Sauvignon · 8% Merlot · 7% Petite Sirah · 5% Malbec · 1.5% Petit Verdot · 1.5% Cabernet Franc |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Producer | Pine Ridge Vineyards (Stags Leap District, est. 1978) |
| Aging | 18 months in French and American oak |
| ABV | 15.5% (per most listings) |
| Critics | The Somm Journal 95 · Decanter 93 · James Suckling 92 · Wine Spectator 92 (as supplied) |
| Cellaring | Now through 10–20 years |
| Style / Identity | A plush, polished, dark-fruited Napa Cabernet with Petite Sirah depth |
| Aromas & Flavors | Blueberry, blackcurrant, plum, violet, dark chocolate, graphite, clove |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
Decant for 30–60 minutes; serve at about 62-65°F.
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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