March 9, 2022 - Nose of sweet raw meat, very ripe strawberry, rich soil, hints of peppery spice and toasty oak, there is a sweetness of fruit but, not jammy. Oak is better integrated then a few years back. Palate chock full of Black currants, strawberry, black cherry coming across rather sweet for a red. Seems like lots of residual sugar here.
Savory and Lush, mouth filling and sexy, no hard edges, fully mature.
Not much length as the acidity and remaining tannins strips it away. New releases are 50% higher in price point from when this was offered, now putting Fortis into the Montrose/Cos d’Estournel range. If you’re a fan of extravagantly priced new world Cabs this will ring your Bell. Enjoyed 60 - 70 degrees with prime rib of beef. Purchased vineyard direct upon release and stored accordingly. No reason to hold longer as acidity will continue to fade but, the RS will remain… Na zdrowie.
October 10, 2020 - Really in prime time right now. Everything very well integrated and balanced. Drank great over four hours. Should get up to five more years from it, but won’t get any better than it is now.
July 6, 2020 - Excellent wine! Decanted a hour and what a treat. The fruit...wow raspberry/cherry jam but not overwhelming. Balanced with great structure that fills your mouth ending in a smooth finish. Wish I had a case of it.
June 28, 2020 - 3rd row bottom
June 28, 2020 - 3rd row bottome
September 2, 2019 - 100% Cabernet
52 Rutherford
48 Stags Leap
90 minute decant. Nose shows sharp tingling lift, almost lemony, alcohol, mid-range gap, then deep base notes Sweet Black currant, Vanilla, hints of red fruit, raw beef and green brambles. On the palate medium weight with silky fruit, red fruit dominated by oaky sweetness. Good acidity, fine tannins, Lacking concentration with short finish. Their Flagship Offering. As time went on the vanilla, oaky sweetness became more pronounced. Too much so for my taste. Not a speck of sediment in the bottle. Heavily filtered? Held up well for 3 days after vacuum re-seal. Enjoyed 60 - 70 degrees with NY Strip it paired well. Purchased vineyard direct upon release and stored accordingly. Drink now… Na zdrowie. As ripe as the Napa fruit comes across in many of Pine Ridge offerings the acidity sometimes seems sharp/low PH making me wonder if Tartaric acid isnt added to balance out the juice. After now trying every red offering from 2009 the highlights for me were Rutherford & Charmstone.
March 8, 2019 - Vibrant and fresh 10 years in. Impressive intensity. With three hours of air it’s going strong, showing spice, acidity, muted tannins and a mix of dark and red flavors. Strong finish too. More sinewy than muscle bound, an impressive show of Cali winemaking. I think the scores here nail it.
February 26, 2019 - Good. Perfect time to drink.
November 20, 2018 - I love the big rich CA style. However, I agree with the last review that this was over the top. Tastes as if it has been enriched by a spinning cone flavor adjustment. Slightly unnatural, but admittedly still enjoyable.
December 27, 2016 - Intense nose of dark berries, licorice, tobacco, and a bit of smoke. Concentrated on the palate with plums, dark fruit, and black berries. Long finish. Excellent wine, but a bit over the top.