Description		Press Acclaim

ORIGIN: This distinctive Bordeaux style blend is complemented by the “Rutherford Dust” characteristics of this historic Napa Valley appellation. The style is created to broaden and fine tune the palate as well as extend the finish. Our Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, produced since the inception of Pine Ridge in 1978, reflects the attention to detail afforded our entire portfolio of fine wines. The 2004 vintage is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc.

VINEYARD: The 2004 vintage produced light yields across all varieties for Pine Ridge. A mild winter and early spring led to an early budbreak and bloom, followed by moderate summer temperatures that saw harvest completed by September’s end. While we experienced some hot, dry conditions in early September, hand selection of the fruit and meticulous berry sorting techniques resulted in a vintage that is firm and concentrated, without being overripe. Grapes were hand harvested in mid-to-late September 2004, from our three narrowly-spaced estate vineyards in the Rutherford appellation.

WINEMAKING: This vintage we continued our sorting capacity for all grapes to include both cluster and berry sorting prior to light crushing. A long season and rich maturity of tannins allowed for an extended maceration of 27 to 40 days. This contact with the skins develops the expansive mouthfeel and tannin structure of the wine. Aged in new, one, and two-vintage-old French oak barrels for 15 to 16 months, this wine was not fined and was bottled in June of 2006.

TASTING NOTES: Heady sweet aromas of cherry and dried cranberry emerge on the nose, backed by dark cocoa, slight bay leaf and waves of ripe berries and cream. Soft and full upon entry, the 2004 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon offers luscious flavors of cherry, cocoa and briar, with well-integrated tannins and a spicy finish. Enjoy now or cellar for ten years.

FOOD PAIRINGS: Shrimp and Crawfish Étouffée, Sheppard's Pie or for veggie lovers, Parmesan Gnocchi with Mushrooms, Salsify and Lemon Thyme

This vintage produced 4,153 (750ml) cases, in addition to 1.5L and 3.0L formats.

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