1999 Pine Ridge Napa " Rutherford District "

[newsguy]

had this wine last night with dinner (aged, rubbed N.Y. strips on the grill) and it was wonderful. frighteningly, my TNs and those from the WS are identical. so i'll let the professional, James Laube, say it: "Smooth-textured, with well-focused currant, toasty oak, black cherry and plum notes. Excellent structure, depth and concentration. Finishes with a long, complex, even subtle aftertaste." however, i would contend there's nothing really subtle after the aftertaste. and i want to add that this wine (although young and a little brutish even after decanting for nearly an hour) really builds on the tongue, from a strong entry to a huge midpalate, to a very nice finish that is sprinkled with my first exposure to "rutherford dust." i'm gonna grab 6-12 more bottles of this and not try one until 2003. i can't wait to see what this wine is like in 2-3 years. thanks, weener!

[This message has been edited by newsguy (edited 05-23-2002).]