Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon (1998)
SommeliAI Insights
A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with rich flavors of black cherry, cassis, and cedar, complemented by firm, silky tannins and a toasty, caramel finish.
About this wine
The 1998 Pine Ridge Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon offers a deep ruby color and a complex bouquet of black cherry, cassis, cedar, and oak, with subtle tobacco notes. On the palate, it presents concentrated red and black fruit flavors, supported by firm, silky tannins that provide structure and balance. The finish is long and smooth, featuring toasty caramel nuances that add depth. This wine reflects the unique terroir of the Stags Leap District, known for producing Cabernet Sauvignons with both power and elegance.
About the grape
The 1998 Pine Ridge Stags Leap District wine is a Bordeaux-style blend composed of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, 5% Malbec, and 4% Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Sauvignon, the dominant grape, thrives in the Stags Leap District's well-drained soils, producing fruit with great intensity and flavor. Petit Verdot, though traditionally a minor blending grape, adds deep color and structure; Pine Ridge even produces it as a single-variety wine in some vintages. Merlot and Malbec contribute to the wine's complexity, while Cabernet Franc adds aromatic qualities. This careful blending showcases the unique characteristics of each varietal within the Stags Leap terroir.
Quick facts
- 🍷 The 1998 Pine Ridge Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon is renowned for its complex aromas of black cherry, cassis, cedar, and oak, complemented by flavors of concentrated red and black fruits.
- 🏞️ Pine Ridge Vineyards, established in 1978, is situated in the heart of Napa Valley's Stags Leap District, an area celebrated for producing Cabernet Sauvignon wines that balance power and elegance.
- 🗺️ The Stags Leap District was the first American Viticultural Area (AVA) designated based on the distinctiveness of its soils, which include well-draining rock, sand, and clay loam.
- 🦌 The name 'Stags Leap' originates from a local legend about a stag leaping between rock outcroppings to escape hunters, symbolizing the area's rugged terrain and natural beauty.
- 🌦️ The 1998 vintage in Napa Valley was marked by cooler temperatures and late-season rains, resulting in wines with balanced acidity and moderate alcohol levels, contributing to their longevity.
Palate profile
Producer
Founded in 1978 by Gary Andrus, Pine Ridge Vineyards is situated in Napa Valley's Stags Leap District, renowned for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. Andrus, inspired by Bordeaux wines, planted the original vineyard on a steep hillside flanked by pine trees, leading to the winery's name. Over the years, Pine Ridge expanded its estate to 160 acres across five prestigious Napa Valley appellations: Stags Leap District, Howell Mountain, Oakville, Rutherford, and Carneros. Committed to sustainability, the winery holds Napa Green certifications for both its vineyards and winery operations.
