Pine Ridge Stag's Leap Vineyard '98

Felt extravagant last night and despite the simple fare of grilled Porterhouse, baked potato and salad, brought up a Pine Ridge Cabernet to accompany.

Once again I'm astonished by the difference encountered in a good cab. I've always like Pine Ridge and have regularly bought both the Rutherford Valley and Stag's Leap Vineyard bottlings.

This one was the '98 Stag's Leap and it proved that the premium price difference between it and the Rutherford is money well spent.

A brownish, deep red in the clbutt with long legs. The nose was one that could adequately deter anyone from ever tasting the wine--how much longer could it last if one imbibed by inhaling the vapors and never drinking a wine? Huge notes of leather, cedar, toffee, vanilla and a warm August afternoon on a country road. Finally got around to putting some in my mouth and all of the promises of the bouquet were kept. Silken, toasty, lingering, although still slightly puckery from the tannin backbone on the finish.

This is a very impressive wine that will be a winner for another decade at least. Wish I was still on the Pine Ridge mailing list (I liked their Archery Summit Pinot Noir offerings as well....)

Ed Rasimus Fighter Pilot (USAF-Ret) "When Thunder Rolled" www.thunderchief.org