Pine Ridge Andrus Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 1999

Andrus Reserve is a founder's wine created as the ultimate expression of the winemaking philosophy at Pine Ridge. This sought-after Cabernet comes from some of the oldest and best vineyards in Napa Valley and is justly famous as one of the premier Cabernets in the world. Nuanced, rich and complex, this is a wine that will grace any cellar.

Our 1999 Andrus Reserve is a proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec selected from plantings at the Andrus family's estate vineyard in Rutherford.

VINEYARD: Planted in 1975 and 1983, the Andrus estate vineyard was one of the first narrow spaced vineyards in California. It lies on twenty-five acres at the base of the Mayacamas foothills on an alluvial fan with nutrient-packed clay soils. The vineyard is densely planted, with 1,815 to 3,000 vines per acre, to promote competition and controlled stress on the vines, thus maximizing the concentration of fruit flavors.

WINEMAKING: Harvested in October 1999, the wine underwent extended maceration for 18-21 days in the tradition of Bordeaux to promote the development of elegant texture on the palate, and was pressed to barrel for malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged in 100% new, heavily-toasted French oak barrels for 17 months. The 1999 Andrus Reserve was bottled without fining or filtration in April 2001.

TASTING NOTES: This medium-bodied, dark ruby wine is elegant and graceful with a luscious bouquet of concentrated red fruits. It is reminiscent of a fine Bordeaux in its supple texture and complexity. Layers of briar, cranberry, cassis, caramel, mocha, milk chocolate, vanilla and cinnamon are wrapped in red spice, leather, hints of tobacco, and bittersweet cocoa powder. The 1999 Andrus Reserve is well balanced, nuanced and boasts a long silky finish. Cellaring for ten years or more will enhance elegance and character.