Winery Tasting: Venge Winery

Second stop of the day after Spring Mountain. Venge is on the old Rossini property; it is newly renovated. Visited previously the week prior to the official opening and, with Kirk Venge (the winemaker and Nils' son), had an extensive tour, including the new wine caves and a tasting of numerous barrel samples. Greatly anticipated the return trip, especially to secure some Scout's Honor.

Attempted to schedule for the prior day. However, Kirk said that no one was available. Later, we learned that some guy named Bob who publishes a wine newsletter was visiting. Still not sure why it was a big deal.

Met with Heath, the assistant winemaker. Great guy. Sampled from the bottles opened the previous day (for RMP). Perfect, b/c IMO Venge wines need about a day to decant. Also did some barrel tastings for wine at various stages.

• 2001 Venge Vineyards Sangiovese Family Reserve Penny Lane Vineyard

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

  A good attempt for a sangiovese, but yet to have a cali sangiovese that I find notable.

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• 2000 Venge Vineyards Merlot Family Reserve

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

  Decanted for over a day. Striking grape color. bright fruit, cherry, chocolate, smooth tannins. More approachable than '01. Bought 2 bottles; should have purchased more.

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• 2001 Venge Vineyards Merlot Family Reserve

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

  brilliant purple color; dark fruit on the nose; on the palate cherry and herbs with tannins slightly too big for drinking now even after a day of decanting. If looking to drink now stick with 2000, though the 2001 will eventually have its day.

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• 1998 Venge Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Family Reserve

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

  a great wine for a difficult vintage. Soft tannins, currant, oak. Drinks nicely now.

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• 1999 Venge Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Family Reserve

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

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• 2000 Venge Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Family Reserve

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

  currants bosenberry, spice, clove on the palate. Needs more time, prefer the 2000 Saddleback for drink now.

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• 2001 Venge Vineyards Zinfandel Late Harvest Family Reserve

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

  great stuff. didnt take notes, I was too busy buying 3 bottles. dont forget to have some chocolate available.

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• 2003 Venge Vineyards Syrah Family Reserve

  USA, California, San Francisco Bay

  [Barrel Sample] This is great stuff. Bright fruit, spice. Will certainly rate in the 90s. Looking forward to release date.

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Another great experience. Dissappointed that I was unable to purchase Scout's Zin.

Highly recommend a visit!