Seemed a little longer in the tooth compared to previous tasting back in the spring (2017). Probably heading down the back slope now from peak. Still, this brings a phenomenal nose of candied blackberries, molasses, rich milk chocolate, herbs, and cherry spices. The palate is smooth as silk and the finish is rustic and crunchy. Drink now. Technical score: 91. Enjoyment score: 92.
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Consistent with previous notes but I noticed a more pronounced bret/savory soy sauce component this time. Probably at peak. Superb, mature Merlot from Oakville. Technical score: 92. Enjoyment score: 92.
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Consistent with previous notes back in May. Very similar to a southern Rhone on the nose: candied red fruit, licorice, menthol-lavender, and even a slight garrigue-like note. However, on this tasting, the dark plum notes dominated the palate, with blackberries, dried cranberries, wild herbs, old horse saddle, soy sauce, and sweet tobacco notes. The finish is near perfect, with firm tannins that carry candied raspberry/strawberry notes into a 30-second tail.
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Took about 20-min to calibrate off the pop-and-pour. Dark, deep, cloudy garnet color. The floral nose brings an intense bouquet of purple violets and cherry blossoms, along with candied cherries, sweet molasses, and whiffs of savory herbs. The palate is round, full, and voluptuous, delivering waves of blackberries, plums, blackcurrant, dried leather, sweet tobacco, and ripe raspberries into the finish, which is impeccably smooth with refined tannins and acidity. This is a perfectly aged Oakville Merlot in a peak window, so drink before 2017-18.
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Dark red, liquid velvet. Aromas of black cherry, currant, raspberry, plum and pencil lead. Medium bodied. Concentrated. Cocoa, licorice, menthol and sweet oak envelope the dark fruit with decidedly dusty tannins. 15% abv! Although thoroughly enjoyable, were I to choose again, I'd wait a few more years.
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Plenty of smoke, toasty oak, dark cherry and raspberry flavors with noticeable underlying greenness. Structured with some chewy tannins. Dry, dusty tannins in typical Venge style. Long dry finish. Not for the faint hearted and may be too rustic and astringent for many. This could take a few years to soften.
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Drank over two days. Just as good on day 2 as it was when first poured. The aroma and flavor profile exhibit smokey aromas, and those of red currant, and chocolate. The texture is meaty with dusty tannins and a great long finish. Very dry; reflective of the Venge style.
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Very enjoyable typical Nils Venge style; dry, dusty tannins, and a bit on the rustic side. Definitely "softer" than the Saddleback Cab. Black cherry, chocolate, and a faint hint of herbal earthiness. Big for a Merlot, but if you love his Cabs as I do, you'll probably like this. Nothing sweet or fruit forward about this; almost "Right Bank" in style but approachable at 5 plus years.
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3/30/2018 - jlhkiss Likes this wine: 90 Points
Consistent with previous notes. On the backside. Drink up. Technical score: 89. Enjoyment score: 90.
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11/24/2017 - jlhkiss Likes this wine: 91 Points
Seemed a little longer in the tooth compared to previous tasting back in the spring (2017). Probably heading down the back slope now from peak. Still, this brings a phenomenal nose of candied blackberries, molasses, rich milk chocolate, herbs, and cherry spices. The palate is smooth as silk and the finish is rustic and crunchy. Drink now. Technical score: 91. Enjoyment score: 92.
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5/11/2017 - jlhkiss Likes this wine: 92 Points
Consistent with previous notes but I noticed a more pronounced bret/savory soy sauce component this time. Probably at peak. Superb, mature Merlot from Oakville. Technical score: 92. Enjoyment score: 92.
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11/3/2016 - jlhkiss Likes this wine: 91 Points
Consistent with previous notes back in May. Very similar to a southern Rhone on the nose: candied red fruit, licorice, menthol-lavender, and even a slight garrigue-like note. However, on this tasting, the dark plum notes dominated the palate, with blackberries, dried cranberries, wild herbs, old horse saddle, soy sauce, and sweet tobacco notes. The finish is near perfect, with firm tannins that carry candied raspberry/strawberry notes into a 30-second tail.
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5/25/2016 - jlhkiss Likes this wine: 92 Points
Took about 20-min to calibrate off the pop-and-pour. Dark, deep, cloudy garnet color. The floral nose brings an intense bouquet of purple violets and cherry blossoms, along with candied cherries, sweet molasses, and whiffs of savory herbs. The palate is round, full, and voluptuous, delivering waves of blackberries, plums, blackcurrant, dried leather, sweet tobacco, and ripe raspberries into the finish, which is impeccably smooth with refined tannins and acidity. This is a perfectly aged Oakville Merlot in a peak window, so drink before 2017-18.
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11/27/2014 - ChezAlice wrote: 88 Points
Solid wine, drinking fine now. I was reminded of a Bordeaux blend without the cab.
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5/11/2013 - wmccone54 wrote: 90 Points
Lots of savory red currant, herbs, chocolate and a dry finish. As Merlot goes in Napa, one of the better ones. Dry on the finish, but pleasing.
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2/22/2013 - buffyst Likes this wine: 90 Points
Dark red, liquid velvet. Aromas of black cherry, currant, raspberry, plum and pencil lead. Medium bodied. Concentrated. Cocoa, licorice, menthol and sweet oak envelope the dark fruit with decidedly dusty tannins. 15% abv! Although thoroughly enjoyable, were I to choose again, I'd wait a few more years.
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12/1/2012 - wmccone54 wrote: 88 Points
Plenty of smoke, toasty oak, dark cherry and raspberry flavors with noticeable underlying greenness. Structured with some chewy tannins. Dry, dusty tannins in typical Venge style. Long dry finish. Not for the faint hearted and may be too rustic and astringent for many. This could take a few years to soften.
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9/23/2012 - wmccone54 wrote: 90 Points
Drank over two days. Just as good on day 2 as it was when first poured. The aroma and flavor profile exhibit smokey aromas, and those of red currant, and chocolate. The texture is meaty with dusty tannins and a great long finish. Very dry; reflective of the Venge style.
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6/29/2012 - wmccone54 wrote: 90 Points
Very enjoyable typical Nils Venge style; dry, dusty tannins, and a bit on the rustic side. Definitely "softer" than the Saddleback Cab. Black cherry, chocolate, and a faint hint of herbal earthiness. Big for a Merlot, but if you love his Cabs as I do, you'll probably like this. Nothing sweet or fruit forward about this; almost "Right Bank" in style but approachable at 5 plus years.
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