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Andrus Reserve (Napa Valley) 2003

A Meritage blend that serves as Pine Ridge’s flagship wine. At this point in time, this bottle was undrinkable. The wine reeked of vanillin and diacetyl. Ditto on the palate, where there was no discernible fruit flavor to be had. IMHO, the winemaker used way too much new oak that was far too heavily toasted. They also probably should have skipped doing a malolactic fermentation in barrel, which tends to heighten diacetyl concentrations.

Considering the high price (around $100/bottle, if memory serves), this wine deserves a failing grade. Grade: E