Description		Press Acclaim

ORIGIN: Pine Ridge only makes a reserve wine in great vintages. Our 1996 Andrus Reserve is a Bordelaise blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec selected from plantings at our estate vineyard in Rutherford. Extraordinary in flavor and extremely limited, 1996 Andrus Reserve represents our commitment to craft this wine only when we deem the wine to be of superior quality.

VINEYARD: This estate vineyard lies on 25 acres at the base of an alluvial fan with nutrient-packed clay soils. Years ago this was a site for a nursery, and decades of plants have contributed to the rich soils.

WINEMAKING: The wine underwent extended maceration for 25 days in September 1996 and was pressed to barrel for malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged in 100% new, heavily toasted French oak barrels for 17 months from October 1996 to February 1998. The 1996 Andrus Reserve was bottled without filtration in May 1998.

ORIGINAL TASTING NOTES: Collectors will find this medium-body wine is elegant and expansive, with layers of mulberry, cassis, cinnamon, and leather aromas and flavors. This wine is reminiscent of a fine Bordeaux in texture and complexity. Cellaring the wine for ten years will enhance its elegance and character.

CURRENT TASTING NOTES: (April, 2010)  The 1996 Andrus shows its age with a medium garnet hue, but the aromas are as fresh as ever, offering a mélange of black cherry, plum and prune fruit accented by notes of autumn leaves, tobacco and vanilla.  The structure of dense tannins and soft acidity is holding firm, supporting dark flavors that echo the nose almost exactly, with the addition of unsweetened chocolate and green peppercorn spice. 

FOOD PAIRING: Seared Flatiron Steak with Parsnip Purée and Roasted Pearl Onions

CHEESE PAIRING: When serving cheese at the winery, we always pair this wine with Saenkanter, a nutty, caramely 5-year aged Gouda.

This vintage produced 2,000 six-bottle cases, as well as 1.5L, 3.0L, and 6.0L formats.

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