PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Pine Ridge Vineyards sits in the heart of the Stags Leap District on the Silverado Trail, and it was founded in 1978 by Gary Andrus, the former Olympic skier and pioneering winemaker, who also planted estate vineyards across five of Napa’s best appellations. The winery owns 160 acres of estate vineyards, 47 of which are in its home appellation, the Stags Leap District, a small, gravelly, volcanic-soiled corner of eastern Napa famed for Cabernet of elegance, silkiness, and fine tannin. The 2023 Stags Leap District Cabernet is the winery’s single-district bottling, drawn from all four of its estate vineyards there, with soils ranging from gravelly loam to volcanic rhyolitic tuff. The Somm Journal calls it “a pure and exquisite expression of the world-famous Stags Leap District.”
It was the first vintage made by Josh Widaman, who joined as winemaker in 2023, after previously crafting a Wine Spectator #1 Wine of the Year at Lewis Cellars, and who immediately began upgrading the cave and winery. The harvest ran from October 5 to November 1, 2023, with the grapes hand-picked at night, when temperatures often dip to 50°F, to preserve acidity and fruit. Rigorous pump-overs “developed deep color, rich varietal character, and fine tannins,” and the wine was aged 20 months in barrels, 75% of them French oak, to meld “bright fruit expression with oak spice nuances.” It’s 15.5% ABV.
The Somm Journal scored it 98, and James Suckling scored it 96 (one retailer lists 97), describing it as “firm and layered, fresh in texture and well balanced.” The winery’s own tasting note: “Allowing the 2023 Stags Leap District Cab to uncoil in the glass with a little air is a joy to witness. This Cabernet reveals layers that move from graphite and slate to lush black cherry, huckleberry, and berry compote. Notes of fresh fennel, vanilla bean, and cinnamon spice add lift and intrigue. On the palate, bold tannins stride confidently across the mid-palate, leading to a juicy black cherry finish with a touch of youthful grip.”
For comparison, the winery’s broader Napa Valley Cabernet from the same vintage scored 95 from the Somm Journal and 92 from James Suckling; this bottling reflects a step up in focus, concentration, and pedigree, from a single, celebrated appellation. It’s a bottle for steak dinners, special occasions, and gifts, and one for the cellar: decant for an hour or two if you open it now, and serve at about 62-65°F with ribeye, lamb, short ribs, and aged cheeses.
Pine Ridge Vineyards 2023 Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon is produced by Pine Ridge Vineyards (Napa, California; est. 1978; winemaker Josh Widaman) from the winery’s four estate vineyards in the Stags Leap District (47 vine-acres; gravelly loam and volcanic rhyolitic tuff). Hand-harvested at night October 5 to November 1, 2023, aged 20 months in barrel (75% French oak). 15.5% ABV, 750ml.
The Somm Journal — 98 Points:
“This wine is a pure and exquisite expression of the world-famous Stags Leap District.”
James Suckling — 96 Points
(per Pine Ridge; one retailer lists 97):
“Firm and layered, fresh in texture and well balanced.”
Pine Ridge (winemaker’s notes):
“Allowing the 2023 Stags Leap District Cab to uncoil in the glass with a little air is a joy to witness. This Cabernet reveals layers that move from graphite and slate to lush black cherry, huckleberry, and berry compote. Notes of fresh fennel, vanilla bean, and cinnamon spice add lift and intrigue. On the palate, bold tannins stride confidently across the mid-palate, leading to a juicy black cherry finish with a touch of youthful grip.”
Nose
Graphite and slate, with lush black cherry, huckleberry, berry compote, fresh fennel, vanilla bean, and cinnamon spice.
Palate
Full-bodied, firm, and layered, with black cherry, berry compote, bold tannin, and fresh texture.
Finish
Long and juicy, with black cherry and a touch of youthful grip.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Appellation | Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California |
| Variety | Cabernet Sauvignon (blend per label) |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Producer | Pine Ridge Vineyards (est. 1978) — winemaker Josh Widaman |
| Vineyards | Four estate vineyards, 47 vine-acres; gravelly loam and volcanic rhyolitic tuff |
| Harvest | Hand-harvested at night, October 5–November 1, 2023 |
| Aging | 20 months in barrel (75% French oak) |
| ABV | 15.5% |
| Critics | The Somm Journal 98 · James Suckling 96 |
| Style / Identity | A firm, layered, graphite-and-black-cherry Stags Leap Cabernet with room to age |
| Aromas & Flavors | Graphite, slate, black cherry, huckleberry, fennel, vanilla bean, cinnamon |
| Serving Temperature | 62–65°F |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
Decant for an hour or two; 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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