Andrus Reserve (2000)
SommeliAI Insights
A rich and aromatic blend of Bordeaux varietals from Napa Valley.
About this wine
The 2000 Andrus Reserve from Pine Ridge Vineyards is a complex blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, showcasing the depth of Napa Valley's terroir. On the nose, it offers a rich array of aromas including blackberry jam, orange rind, cherry, leather, coffee, and tobacco, with hints of dill, tar, and vanilla. The palate is smooth and ripe, featuring flavors of vanilla, cherry, blackberry, tobacco, roasted earth, and soy, complemented by spicy pepper notes. This wine is well-balanced and refined, with a long, smooth finish. Notably, the Andrus Reserve is named after the winery's founder, Gary Andrus, reflecting his vision of creating Bordeaux-style wines in Napa Valley.
About the grape
The 2000 Pine Ridge Winery Andrus Reserve is crafted from a blend of five Bordeaux grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Cabernet Sauvignon, the dominant grape, thrives in Napa Valley's climate, contributing structure and deep flavors. Merlot adds softness and ripe fruit notes, while Cabernet Franc introduces aromatic complexity. Petit Verdot enhances color and tannic backbone, and Malbec imparts additional depth and richness. These grapes are sourced from the Andrus family's estate vineyard in Rutherford, one of California's first narrow-spaced vineyards, planted in 1975 and 1983 on nutrient-rich clay soils.
Quick facts
- 🍇 The 2000 Andrus Reserve from Pine Ridge Vineyards is a proprietary blend of five Bordeaux grape varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec.
- 🏞️ Pine Ridge Vineyards, founded in 1978 by Gary Andrus, is located in Napa Valley's Stags Leap District, renowned for producing Cabernet Sauvignon wines of distinctive power and elegance.
- 🌱 The Andrus Reserve is crafted from grapes grown in the Andrus estate vineyard, one of California's first narrow-spaced vineyards, planted in 1975 and 1983, promoting competition among vines to enhance fruit concentration.
- 🛢️ The 2000 vintage of Andrus Reserve was aged in 100% new, heavily-toasted French oak barrels for 18 months, contributing to its rich and complex flavor profile.
- 🍷 Tasting notes for the 2000 Andrus Reserve describe it as having very spicy aromas with blackberry jam, orange rind, cherry, leather, coffee, and tobacco, along with flavors of vanilla, cherry, blackberry, tobacco, roasted earth, and soy, with spicy pepper notes.
Palate profile
Producer
Pine Ridge Vineyards was established in 1978 by Gary Andrus in Napa Valley's Stags Leap District, inspired by Bordeaux's esteemed wines. He planted the original vineyard on a steep hillside flanked by pine trees, focusing on Bordeaux varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Over the years, the winery expanded to 200 acres across five Napa Valley appellations: Stags Leap District, Rutherford, Oakville, Carneros, and Howell Mountain. Pine Ridge is committed to sustainability, holding Napa Green certifications for both its vineyards and winery operations.
