Pine Ridge
This 80 hectare estate was founded in 1978 when Gary Andrus planted the...
property's original vineyard in Stags Leap on a terraced hillside flanked by a ridge of pine trees. They now have vineyards across five sub-zones in Napa: four in the Stags Leap District, three in Rutherford, three in Carneros and one each in Howell Mountain and Oakville. This diversity gives winemaker Michael Beaulac many different blending options from which to choose each year, the results of which can be seen in the stunningly high quality of the wines they produce.
Vineyards
The grapes come from Clarksburg which is over in the Sacremento river delta. This means that it is fairly warm with an almost constant breeze which helps to retain freshness and acidity in the grapes. The soils tend to be deep clay with excellent water holding capacity. The trellising is bi-lateral cordon.
Vintage Information
It was a wet cool spring which delayed bud break and was followed by a cool summer. Harvest began on 8th September, about two weeks later than usual, and lasted for approximately two weeks.
Vinification
The grapes were destemmed and the berries crushed upon arrival at the winery. The free run juice was combined with the press fraction to increase mouth feel. Two different types of yeast were used to add complexity and aromatics. Fermentation was cool at about 13ºC. The wine was aged in stainless steel tank without malolactic fermentation in order to retain the pure varietal fruit character in the final wine.
Tasting Notes
Medium yellow in colour with green tints. A bright, aromatic nose filled with crisp nuances of pink grapefruit, mango and sweet melon, interwoven with hints of soft white tea and honeysuckle. Bursting with juicy ripe fruits, the palate echoes the nose and boasts luscious flavours of pear, fresh pineapple, apricot and white nectarine. A light and slightly off-dry flavour profile lasts through the delightfully refreshing, clean finish.
Vintage Information
| Vintage | 2011 |
| Grape varieties | 79% Chenin Blanc 21% Viognier |
| Region | Napa Valley, California |
| Winemaker | Michael Beaulac |
| Alcohol (ABV) | 12% |
| Acidity | 0.95g/l |
| Residual Sugar | 0.93g/l |
| Wine pH | 3.33 |
Trade customers
Liberty Wines customers can order this wine directly from us.