Pine Ridge Vineyards: Cellar

by: Jorge Ferraez

Gustavo Avina is one of the most passionate winegrowers I know. Originally from Mexico, he grew up helping his dad on the farming business. Since 1988, he has worked for some of the best and finest wineries in Napa, including Newton and Abreu. In 2003, Gustavo joined the team at Pine Ridge where he has done a stellar career that has put him in front of all the vineyards for the winery. He oversees different locations in districts like Stags Leap, Howell Mountain, Oakville, Rutherford, and Carneros.

“When you love what you do, work is enjoyable,” he tells me as we drive by some of his properties. His vineyards are like gardens for him, he nurtures and walks them constantly making sure they have everything they need. On a recent visit with him at Pine Ridge, I was impressed when he showed me how he can control water irrigation and monitor the temperature of the specific rows of his vineyards remotely from his cellphone, wherever he is. Wow! I thought. That’s technology at the service of wine.

Later on, Gustavo invited me to a fabulous and impressive wine tasting with him and Michael Bealac, Pine Ridge’s chief winemaker where we tried most of their current releases; bold wines, great fruitiness, magnificent structures, and exquisite aromas and flavors. Perhaps the most admirable fact of Gustavo’s wines is the consistent quality of the fruit that shows very well the different character of each region, microclimate, and vineyard. Incredibly expressive wines with elegant and voluptuous personalities.

01

MADRIGAL FAMILY WINERY 2014

  • Region: Napa Valley

  • Varietal: Garnacha

  • Price: $45

  • Aromas: Fruity and mellow

  • Flavors": Currant, cinnamon, plum

  • Impression: Succulent, floral

  • Structure: Full bodied

  • Drink with: Beef stew, duck confit, BBQ ribs

  • Why I loved this wine? Perfumed and complex

My Rating: 91 pts.

02

TRUJULLO WINES GARY MORISOLI VINEYARD 2014

  • Region: Napa Valley

  • Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Price: $87

  • Aromas: Cocoa, crushed black cherries

  • Flavors: Plum, graphite, blackberry marmalade

  • Impression: Perfumed, dark in color

  • Structure: Great body and complexity

  • Drink with: Steak, Lamb Chops, Prime Rib

  • Why I loved this wine? Luscious wine!

My Rating: 93 pts.

03

PINE RIDGE FORTIS 2014

  • Region: Napa Valley, Stags Leap District

  • Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Price: $225

  • Aromas: Dark Chocolate, fruit forward, vanilla

  • Flavors: Dark plum, toasted coffee, black cherry

  • Impression: Spectacular, big and bold!

  • Structure: Full bodied, complex, layered

  • Drink with: Steak, hard cheeses, short rib

  • Why I loved this wine? Gigantic!

My Rating: 94 pts.

LLMComment