Ridgeline Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Ridgeline Vineyard, a steep 90-acre mountain vineyard with 1,000 feet of vertical elevation, clings to Oak Mountain high above the Russian River in Alexander Valley. Such mountain sites yield small intense berries with concentrated flavors, and the 2006 Ridgeline Cabernet Sauvignon has captured all the intense fruit and flavor of Ridgeline Vineyard’s unique terroir. For starters, it offers up an enchanting bouquet of boysenberry and crème de cassis, dark chocolate, spice, and refined oak that by more than one panel member’s assertion is “worth the price of admission.” Deep, fleshy, and downright opulent, the 2006 Ridgeline coats the mouth and satiates the palate with complex, satisfying flavors to make any wine lover happy that the price of admission includes more than the tantalizing aroma of the wine. Balanced and beautiful with a synergistic flow between fruit and tannin, this mountain Cabernet will provide excellent drinking pleasure now and for the next four to five years. We suggest serving the 2006 Ridgeline Cabernet Sauvignon at cool room temperature (60º-65º F). Allow an hour of aeration for optimal pleasure, if you can at all resist the temptation to consume it straight away! Enjoy!

What is perhaps most impressive about Ridgeline’s 2006 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is how well it complements grilled meats and complex sauces. Yet, it fares equally well without accompaniments, especially after a little aeration, displaying a soft, seductive side that allows it to be sipped and savored on its own (a hallmark it seems of the finest mountain California Cabernets in 2006). Nonetheless, wine and food are made for each other. And like a successful marriage, the two should bring out the best in one another. For pure bliss, we suggest pairing the 2006 Ridgeline Cabernet Sauvignon with Rack of Lamb and Andouille Ham, served with creamed endive and Crucolo cheese stuffed potatoes. Equally appealing are an Angus Rib eye, prepared with leek frites; and a Veal Strip Steak Bordelaise, served with parsnip potato puree and turnip greens. A simple well prepared meatloaf will complement Ridgeline as well, and be elevated by the company, but as you like it!

Ridgeline is a limited release single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from Artesa Vineyards. Ridgeline’s Cabernet Sauvignon represents the ultimate expression of vineyard terroir at Artesa and the dedication to excellence that Artesa brings to each of their wines. Artesa is perhaps the most imaginative and striking of all Napa Valley wineries, rivaling and even surpassing the likes of Opus One and Dominus. Resplendent with a sculpture studded visitor center and futuristic fountain, everything about this young winery exudes panache and style. From panoramic views of San Pablo and San Francisco Bays to the bevy of opulent, individualistic wines that flow from meticulously tended vineyards, Artesa offers every enticement to stay and taste. Artesa means “craftsman” in Catalan, the language of Barcelona and the winery’s owners, the Raventos family. As the name implies, all of this world-class winery’s offerings are handcrafted. Born in 1991 to great fanfare, Artesa has undergone several makeovers in order to specialize in the production of small lots of exquisite wines from single vineyard sites. Established originally to make only premium sparkling wines, Artesa quickly and adroitly switched its focus to include a range of premium still wines from California’s finest varietals. Since 1997 millions of dollars have been spent on a “winemaker’s wish list,” which has raised the bar at this outstanding property, not only for its still varietal offerings but also for the estate’s traditional methode champenoise sparkling wine. Today, the winery’s most notable wines include the stunning single vineyard Ridgeline Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Reserve Chardonnay from Carneros, and tantalizing full-bodied Pinot Noirs. These are of course in addition to Artesa’s excellent champagne style sparkling wines. In total, Artesa comprises 352 acres in Carneros, devoted mostly to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir; 409 acres in northern Alexander Valley that are dedicated equally to the Bordeaux varietals and Tempranillo; and a new 300 acre Sonoma Coast property that will produce Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Spain’s most important white varietal – Albariño. In order to produce top-notch Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir that occupy the highest echelon of Napa Valley offerings, Artesa employs the very accomplished Mark Beringer, great grandson of Jacob Beringer who was one of the early pioneers of Napa Valley viticulture, to oversee the winemaking. In addition to Ridgeline and Artesa, the Raventos family owns Codorniu, Spain’s first and foremost producer of Cava; Bodegas Bilbainas, a historic property in the heart of Haro in La Rioja Alta celebrated for their array of venerable Rioja wines; Septima, a stunning new winery in the famed Agrelo district of the province of Mendoza in Argentina; and additional Spanish properties. All are renowned for their quality and individual style.