Pine Ridge Fortis Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 (750 ml)

2013 was an ideal season in Napa Valley, with dry conditions and a long, sunny summer, allowing even ripening and yielding exquisite, balanced fruit. The fruit for this wine was harvested at an optimal level of ripeness in mid-October. The berries were hand-harvested at night, carefully sorted and destemmed to tank, where fermentation took place. Then, the wine was racked to 100% new French oak barrels, where it was aged for 26 months prior to bottling.

This stunning, deep ruby wine presents a harmonious bouquet that overflows with sweet plum, blueberry jam and dark black cherry, intertwined with touches of mocha, allspice, sweet vanilla and sandalwood. The palate is exquisitely plush, filling the mouth with flavors of ripe raspberry, blackberry pie and juicy plum, supported by a framework of smooth tannins and touches of toasted oak, dark baking cocoa and spun caramel that remain through the long, elegant finish.

With its captivating complexity and stellar balance, this Cabernet is the star of any meal it accompanies. A substantial yet simple dish such as a dry-aged New York strip steak with parmesan potato gratin and sautéed long beans would pair fabulously with this wine. For a memorable cheese course, pair it with extra aged Beemster, a nutty cow’s milk cheese from Holland.

Blend: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec, 3% Merlot