Last bottle of the '16 in my cellar. Pnp'd and enjoyed over about 3 hours of total airtime.
I've always been curious to see what one of these 'entry level' Venge's would do with 8-10 years of age since they are made primarily to be early drinkers. My last bottle in Sept/'22 was still going strong and a 95. This bottle appears to be falling apart/disjointed quite a bit.
Still dark magenta/purple in the glass, still a basic Napa graphite cab nose but the fruit is fading a bit now which is revealing more acid and alcohol being pushed to the forefront. I still enjoyed this bottle, but it's the lowest scoring bottle of Silencieux I've ever had across many vintages. I don't see any reason to continue holding/aging these any longer if you have them in your cellar......IF this is indicative of where they all are now. Then again, it could just be the first off bottle of Silencieux I've ever had?
Very good for $45 range. If you love Venge this is a great value wine and you can expect similar characteristics as other Cabs from Venge (a little spice, yet smooth).
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Opened, poured and let about 35 min. Then: Maybe some reddish-darkish fruit on the nose. Taste starts out with reddish fruit and a bit of acidity. Softish mouthfeel; tannins not an issue at this point. After 15 min or so, the acidity recedes a bit, but then comes back a bit more on the finish. By the end of the glass (45 min), the fruit is a bit darker and maybe a bit heavier, chalky tannins noticeable. Drinkable for the red fruit, but not particularly cabernet-like. I don't see a lot of potential here for positive development and will drink my remaining bottle in near future.
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Overall soft edged, fruit forward example of napa ( silverado trail) cab - silky mouth feel leads into rich black cherry, boysenberry, plum, nectar with just a hint of cocoa and a light tannic structure albeit a minor bit fleshy - light aromatics of dark fruit compote.
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PNP and paired with grilled ribeye steaks - gift from family friend - dark black color - sweet cherry, tobacco, blackberry on nose/palate - good structure (medium acidity/tannins) kept this from being flabby. A little too "sweet" on flavor profile for my taste but delicious on it's own (and it was fine with steak) - "sweetness" is not a flaw but especially noticeable if tasted next to a French or Italina win from same vintage. Preferred a '16 Fanti Brunello to this but this is a nice bottle of wine and get the positive reviews. 92+/-
Wow, been a few years since a bottle of the '16....this is now AMAZING. I have had previous bottles in the 92-94 range but this one? Easily a 95 and pushing for a 96. Coravined off a couple small glasses last night and enjoyed after dinner. Fully integrated and operating at its peak. Smooth is an understatement. This has a bit of a chalky, silky, powdery graphite feeling to it. Classic nose of graphite and some forest floor. The fruit is dark red/black and has some beautiful acidity backing it up. Opened the bottle after checking in at our hotel for the night on our way to DQ's in GA for another great palooza weekend. This certainly has more time but I'm not sure it gets any better than what it is today. Drinking every bit as well as last night and re-affirms what I found last night, at least in this bottle. I think I only have one more in the cellar......damn!
Did a vertical with a 2014 and a 2018 and some friends. All were delicious, but differences were to be found. The 2016 is drinking wonderfully now. Still the fruit that Venge fans look for. Differences with the '14 and '18 were that there was a little more alcohol detected in the '16 than the '14, but the flavor and finish were the winner for me.
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Didn't seem to go over well at a wine tasting. Not sure why. Full-bodied, integrated dark purple fruit, can drink on its own or with food. Long aftertaste. I like it.
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Liked it a lot better on 2nd night as the sweetness subsided and the secondary flavors rose up to the surface making it a much more interesting wine. 92-93 on 2nd day and 90 on first night.
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Wonderful floral bouquet. Bright and lively with a hint of eucalyptus. Inky red almost black in the glass. Dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cassis with a hint of minerality. Structured tannins with lively acidity. The finish is round, smooth and long. Lovely.
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This is finally hitting it's stride for me with notable improvement compared to previous bottle notes. About an hour decant and drank over following two hours. Core of strawberry and blueberry jam plus cherry pie, followed by long finish of coffee, mocha and toasted oak notes; Silky smooth with fine tannins that are nicely integrated. Drink up!
Decanted 3+hrs. Big bold jammy fruit, Blackcurrent and Cherry with touch of Cassis and Pepper. Soft ripe tannins and pleasant Acidity. Long finish - a good example of a Napa Cab
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Overall, a nice midweek bottle and good QPR. Started a little sweet and simplistic upon opening but the body grew, fruit deepened and more flavors emerged over time with air. Good structure and energy.
Really good now but I think it will be better later. Seems a little tight right now but when the tannins settle down and get integrated it will be a stunner!
Two hour decant. Deep dark magenta color. Blackberry, blueberry, black cherry, vanilla extract, and toffee on the nose. Rich, plush, full bodied palate, with tongue coating acidity. Dark fruit and flint shine through. Firm tannins on the longish finish.
This drinks great for the price point and it’s classic Venge. Unfortunately, that also means there is some noticeable extraction/manipulation that is not my personal style. I apologize to my friends who will bristle at that. Still a nice bottle. I totally agree with my friend MARK1NPT, who notes this is drinking in prime time. Please don’t misinterpret my critical points. ;)
Drinking exceptionally well right now.....this has all come together in perfect balance and is firing on all cylinders. Enjoyed with French fare with friends tonight. Exceptionally balanced and integrated fruit, tannins and acidity. Not overpowering in any way, this '16 is drinking the best I have tasted it. Drinks as high as the bottle from 5/19 but needs only 5-10 min of air now instead of 45-60. What a deal! Enjoyed by all.....
One of the best values in Napa. Kirk loves fruit. Fruitier than the Stags Leap.from the other night. Still good. An hour in the decanter took the edge off.
Pretty decent wine! Thanks, Jimbo.....fruit is strong, acidity is matched and it drinks well over a few hours of air in the glass....well worth the money.
Yup. Napa Valley Cabernet. Quintessential notes on nose and palate. Dark fruit, a little sweet on the onset followed by deep garnet, brooding berry, with tobacco notes tinged with leather. The tannins will carry this wine and its complexity for a number of years yet, although it’s happy to release its youthful exuberance for your enjoyment now (please decant for an hour!)
And if you have the patience, another hour will open up warm spices, like a Warm winter’s night cap. Very pleasant.
This vintage meets my expectations. Earthy fragrance with a hint of of oak. Fruit forward but a smooth elegance with shoulders. Never disappoints. A value in a Napa Cab. Great with aged cheddar before and grilled steak for dinner.
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Still solid but I didn't like it near as much as earlier bottles. Fruit dominated with fruit tending toward the red side currently. All other components, average or slightly above average but not notable. Down to my last 3 bottles in my case. Continues to be a great value in Napa Cabernet.
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Popped and poured. Needs about 20 min in the glass. Big up front glob of delicious fruit but lacking in complexity, mid palate and finish. Overall an enjoyable wine that is priced properly. I don’t see this improving with more years but would likely benefit for a 2-3 hour decant.
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Same score as last time (92) so I won’t score again and overweight the ratings with my opinion! Very enjoyable wine. Ordered at a restaurant for a group with mixed wine tastes and I knew it would be a safe bet. This is a wine that you can drink on pnp. Although relatively simple and very fruity, even the French wine drinkers could appreciate the purity of fruit from the ‘16 vintage. Also given its QPR, on a wine menu that is marked up 2-3x I don’t feel so bad because it drinks like a $100 wine.
Two hour decant. Nearly opaque purple color. Syrupy dark fruit, cayenne, pomegranate, date and floral perfume on the rich nose. Dry, crushed velvet palate, with nice acidity. Full, muscular tannins on the medium long finish.
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A gift from a friend. Lovely Napa cab. Leans toward darker fruit. Forward, somewhat soft palate but not overworked. Strong finish with chocolate notes. Nice balance of fruit and oak. Seems forward enough to drink now.
Bubbles and Holiday Wine, nose of black cherry, black berry, and floral notes, same on the palate, young-needs 3 years cellar time, medium/big body, everything present but excitement, long finish.
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One hour decant. Nearly opaque, but very bright magenta color. Vanilla bean, blackberry cordial, black cherry and hazelnut on the inviting nose. Dry, velvety palate, with fine acidity that coats the tongue. Plush, throat filling tannins on the medium long finish.
This is Caymus-esque, but lower price and less extracted. Very quaffable and yet nicely built at the same time.
Very similar to previous years, new world heavy, cherry, cassis, raspberry, cinnamon and clove with hints of licorice. Velvety mouthfeel and good balance. Again, new world focused so if you like left bank only, this is not for you.
After 2 flawed bottles and feeling a bit under the weather, this bottle was a safe bet. As others have stated, the Silencieux is an amazing QPR and you always know what you are getting. Full fruit forward without being too syrupy or jammy, black fruit, cassis, fresh blueberry, vanilla and spice. I may have enjoyed this most on Pnp when the fruit was freshest. With a few hours air it integrates nicely and becomes smoother, but you miss out on some of the bright fruit. Excellent either way though.
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Lots of dark-fruits (cassis, blackberry), black licorice, mocha, and oak. Although it had good mid-palate concentration, it was not jammy at all, just right. This was nice on PnP, but could use an hour decant at this point. Good QPR. Definitely made in the style to be drank with minimal cellaring, but still young and will likely improve in 1-2 years (+91).
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Three hour decant. Deep dark purplish magenta color. Caramel, maraschino cherry and baby powder on the nose. Brambly, mouth filling palate, with good acidity. Firm, full tannins on the medium long finish. This already drinking well, but will certainly improve with more cellar time.
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This bottle better than the last, better black and blue fruit on the nose....great midpalate of sweet tannins, cassis, and more fruit. This is a terrific value for the money. Drinking very well right now. It excels at room temp and with 45 min of air.
In stark contrast to the Bruno Clair Chambolle-Musigny we had just before it, this is a flamboyant, extracted glass full of creme de cassis with a vanilla bean sweetness of the finish. The Burgundy is a lovely lady, but the Venge is a one night stand. Many new world palates will love this American crowd pleaser. A bit of noticeable alcohol on the finish that knocked this back a few points for me.
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My last rating was a 94, I had another bottle last night and I am bumping it to 95. This is an amazing wine, made in a style that is approachable at a younger age. It is very big and ripe, but still nicely balanced. I’m not a huge Napa fan because you typically have to spend $80+ to find a bottle of this quality, but I will buy Venge Silencieux all day.
Bold, upfront fruit. Highly concentrated cab with mild but pleasing tannins. Great long finish. This is a good sipping wine for relaxing. I sampled this at a tasting with Silver Oak Alexander Valley and SO Napa. There was no contest. This is a better value than either.
The 2016 Silencieux is; 96% Cabernet 2% Cabernet Franc & Petit Verdot.
The nose reveals softness. Ripe, floral, fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, black sugar plum & some dark cherries. Black licorice, anise, vanilla, light clove, some spice, leather, sandstone, dark & purple flowers, violets and lavender.
The palate is medium, rich and lush round. So easy to drink now. Such freshness. Ruby, floral fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, black sugar plum & some dark cherries. Black licorice, anise, vanilla, light clove & cinnamon, dark spice with heat, leather, black rich soil, clay, sandstone, crushed rocks, dark & purple flowers, violets and lavender. Just a shade of hot alcohol. The acidity is round and beautiful. The rich, lush, polished, elegantly feminine finish is beautiful and persists minutes.
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Three hour decant. Deep dark magenta color. Blackberry jelly, cola and anise on the fragrant, but young nose. Velvety palate with wonderful tongue coating acidity. Lush, round tannins on the medium long finish.
This is already very acccessible (and very good), but another year or two will really help. It feels like something is being held back at the moment. A little too simple.
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Notes at the 3 hour decant mark. Deep purple color. Big nose of blueberries and sweet oak. Flavors are similar but with heavy blackberry and black cherry and notes of licorice and baker's cocoa. Low tannins but medium plus acidity holds everything together without being jammy. Medium plus body. Very approachable for a 2016 and already drinking well. Great QPR on this wine. About 92, 93 if taking into account QPR.
Shared by HowellMountainCru, thanks!.....Close to a 93.....and a very good wine for its price point. Very welcoming nose and flavor profile. Not a weak link I can think of. Very well put together, high quality, again, especially taking the cost into account (which I'm trying hard not to do). This, Venge's basic Napa Valley cab ranks up there with Drinkward Peschon as the 2 best value cabs for the money in Napa right now. I wish Napa offered more wines like this. Most people cannot drink $150 cabs every night. Most Napa cabs in this price range just don't compare.
From Wine & Cheese Place: This is one of the most amazing finds from Napa we have ever come across. For the last four years, it is our best selling "wine you've never heard of." Proprietor Kirk Venge (son of Nils Venge, the first American winemaker to ever receive a 100 Point Rating) has not fallen far from the vine, and has become one of the most sought-after winemakers in the Valley. Over the last 5 years, he's made over 2 dozen 95 Point or higher scoring wines.
For this wine, he sources fruit from his mature estate vines in Calistoga, as well as his friends' vineyards in Rutherford and Oakville. This wine has panache, but is not over the top. I like to think of it as a more refined Caymus. You can drink it now or hold it for a few years.
I cannot stress how fast this wine sells out. It will not be reviewed until December, and given the track record (a pair of 95's and a 94 in the last 4 years) and the hype of the 2016 vintage, this will be gone by the end of the week.
Fresh roasted coffee, sweet cassis and aromatic blue fruits lead the way to full bodied deli-ciousness. Dense and compact, with firm tannins that fully support the cascade of mouth coating flavors. The finish is remarkably lengthy and com-plex. This wine is approachable upon release and cellar worthy in proper aging conditions. Best now through 2028. --Winery Notes
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Served at a local store. Dark ruby/purple fruit - blackberry, dark currants, dark cherry, and a little blueberry. Smooth mid-palate coupled with solid depth/concentration for the price point. Nice rich/vibrant flavors of dark berries and some spice. Decent finish but not overly long nor deep. Apparently the bottles were open a couple hours before serving. Enjoyable at this youthful stage but I believe another year or so will benefit this vintage to let the fruit open-up a little more - although I'm sure a decent decant would have helped as well. 96% cab sauvignon, 2% petit verdot, and 2% cab franc.
Dark purple. Tasting pour at a wine store. Dark fruited nose, big, and at this stage very lush and fruit forward. Lots of concentration. Needs a few years to settle down, integrate and get its act together. I believe it does have a lot of promise.
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4/6/2024 - Mark1npt Likes this wine: 90 Points
Last bottle of the '16 in my cellar. Pnp'd and enjoyed over about 3 hours of total airtime.
I've always been curious to see what one of these 'entry level' Venge's would do with 8-10 years of age since they are made primarily to be early drinkers. My last bottle in Sept/'22 was still going strong and a 95. This bottle appears to be falling apart/disjointed quite a bit.
Still dark magenta/purple in the glass, still a basic Napa graphite cab nose but the fruit is fading a bit now which is revealing more acid and alcohol being pushed to the forefront. I still enjoyed this bottle, but it's the lowest scoring bottle of Silencieux I've ever had across many vintages. I don't see any reason to continue holding/aging these any longer if you have them in your cellar......IF this is indicative of where they all are now. Then again, it could just be the first off bottle of Silencieux I've ever had?
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8/28/2023 - Buck Brohoff wrote:
Very good for $45 range. If you love Venge this is a great value wine and you can expect similar characteristics as other Cabs from Venge (a little spice, yet smooth).
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8/5/2023 - Quiller wrote: 88 Points
Opened, poured and let about 35 min. Then: Maybe some reddish-darkish fruit on the nose. Taste starts out with reddish fruit and a bit of acidity. Softish mouthfeel; tannins not an issue at this point. After 15 min or so, the acidity recedes a bit, but then comes back a bit more on the finish. By the end of the glass (45 min), the fruit is a bit darker and maybe a bit heavier, chalky tannins noticeable. Drinkable for the red fruit, but not particularly cabernet-like. I don't see a lot of potential here for positive development and will drink my remaining bottle in near future.
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4/18/2023 - Winedog1 wrote: 93 Points
A little too much artificial candy taste for me.
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2/12/2023 - Jmac56 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Lovely musky nose. Well balanced with big fruit and nice chalk- at a peak.
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2/12/2023 - Brockster303 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Drinking well now
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12/22/2022 - ogres3 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very big wine, but still pretty good. Rich lush dark purple fruit.
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11/25/2022 - Jmac56 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Solid fruity musky nose. Very fruity and chalky, not sure if this is just too young.
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10/28/2022 - DDw2 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Overall soft edged, fruit forward example of napa ( silverado trail) cab - silky mouth feel leads into rich black cherry, boysenberry, plum, nectar with just a hint of cocoa and a light tannic structure albeit a minor bit fleshy - light aromatics of dark fruit compote.
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10/10/2022 - CWilliam wrote:
PNP and paired with grilled ribeye steaks - gift from family friend - dark black color - sweet cherry, tobacco, blackberry on nose/palate - good structure (medium acidity/tannins) kept this from being flabby. A little too "sweet" on flavor profile for my taste but delicious on it's own (and it was fine with steak) - "sweetness" is not a flaw but especially noticeable if tasted next to a French or Italina win from same vintage. Preferred a '16 Fanti Brunello to this but this is a nice bottle of wine and get the positive reviews. 92+/-
At price on CT a good value in CA Cabernet.
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9/1/2022 - Mark1npt Likes this wine: 95 Points
Wow, been a few years since a bottle of the '16....this is now AMAZING. I have had previous bottles in the 92-94 range but this one? Easily a 95 and pushing for a 96. Coravined off a couple small glasses last night and enjoyed after dinner. Fully integrated and operating at its peak. Smooth is an understatement. This has a bit of a chalky, silky, powdery graphite feeling to it. Classic nose of graphite and some forest floor. The fruit is dark red/black and has some beautiful acidity backing it up. Opened the bottle after checking in at our hotel for the night on our way to DQ's in GA for another great palooza weekend. This certainly has more time but I'm not sure it gets any better than what it is today. Drinking every bit as well as last night and re-affirms what I found last night, at least in this bottle. I think I only have one more in the cellar......damn!
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7/3/2022 - madvitale wrote: 92 Points
Did a vertical with a 2014 and a 2018 and some friends. All were delicious, but differences were to be found. The 2016 is drinking wonderfully now. Still the fruit that Venge fans look for. Differences with the '14 and '18 were that there was a little more alcohol detected in the '16 than the '14, but the flavor and finish were the winner for me.
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6/24/2022 - ogres3 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Remains delicious. Lush ripe full bodied wine with deep red and dark fruit.
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6/6/2022 - ogres3 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Great year, very good wine, new world, ripe fruit, has a few more years.
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5/26/2022 - sjayzee wrote:
Per Charleen Sue will like this. Have w burgers
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5/4/2022 - boston617 Likes this wine: 95 Points
Well-rounded with a spicy finish. Hint of nutmeg.
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3/12/2022 - ogres3 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Didn't seem to go over well at a wine tasting. Not sure why. Full-bodied, integrated dark purple fruit, can drink on its own or with food. Long aftertaste. I like it.
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1/29/2022 - iamandyc Likes this wine: 92 Points
Liked it a lot better on 2nd night as the sweetness subsided and the secondary flavors rose up to the surface making it a much more interesting wine. 92-93 on 2nd day and 90 on first night.
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1/23/2022 - Tym4wine Likes this wine: 93 Points
Wonderful floral bouquet. Bright and lively with a hint of eucalyptus. Inky red almost black in the glass. Dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cassis with a hint of minerality. Structured tannins with lively acidity. The finish is round, smooth and long. Lovely.
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12/24/2021 - Brockster303 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Drinking great now.
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10/21/2021 - jwolf99 Likes this wine: 94 Points
This is finally hitting it's stride for me with notable improvement compared to previous bottle notes. About an hour decant and drank over following two hours. Core of strawberry and blueberry jam plus cherry pie, followed by long finish of coffee, mocha and toasted oak notes; Silky smooth with fine tannins that are nicely integrated. Drink up!
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10/15/2021 - pommieba@cox.net Likes this wine: 91 Points
Decanted 3+hrs. Big bold jammy fruit, Blackcurrent and Cherry with touch of Cassis and Pepper. Soft ripe tannins and pleasant Acidity. Long finish - a good example of a Napa Cab
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10/6/2021 - iamandyc Likes this wine: 92 Points
Solid as usual and similar to my 4/21 notes.
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9/23/2021 - cobalt2 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Drinking well.smooth yet with a nice tannic bite. Nice presentation .
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9/12/2021 - jstrovel@gmail.com Likes this wine: 93 Points
Drinking well after a 2 hour decant
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7/23/2021 - Ceo wrote: 95 Points
Better with age
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7/23/2021 - Camsss Likes this wine: 91 Points
Enjoyable, dark fruit, full bodied, balanced, got better with air so decant it for a couple of hours.
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4/23/2021 - Decanting Queen Likes this wine:
Just reliably fruity and good. Perhaps continuing to improve but so drinkable now.
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4/21/2021 - iamandyc Likes this wine: 92 Points
Overall, a nice midweek bottle and good QPR. Started a little sweet and simplistic upon opening but the body grew, fruit deepened and more flavors emerged over time with air. Good structure and energy.
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3/25/2021 - kingboo wrote: 93 Points
Nicely structured. Consistent. Smooth. Nice complexity.
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2/9/2021 - jwolf99 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Notes consistent with previous bottle though seemed slightly more complex with cherry and tobacco on finish
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1/31/2021 - jstrovel@gmail.com Likes this wine: 92 Points
Deep black thick wine. Blackberry liquor and a sort of umami quality that I can't exactly pin down but find very pleasant. Great QPR.
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12/30/2020 - Wine_in_HD wrote: 93 Points
Really good now but I think it will be better later. Seems a little tight right now but when the tannins settle down and get integrated it will be a stunner!
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10/24/2020 - Ceo wrote: 94 Points
Still rocking
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9/9/2020 - AGELVIS Likes this wine: 92 Points
Two hour decant. Deep dark magenta color. Blackberry, blueberry, black cherry, vanilla extract, and toffee on the nose. Rich, plush, full bodied palate, with tongue coating acidity. Dark fruit and flint shine through. Firm tannins on the longish finish.
This drinks great for the price point and it’s classic Venge. Unfortunately, that also means there is some noticeable extraction/manipulation that is not my personal style. I apologize to my friends who will bristle at that. Still a nice bottle. I totally agree with my friend MARK1NPT, who notes this is drinking in prime time. Please don’t misinterpret my critical points. ;)
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9/8/2020 - Mark1npt Likes this wine: 94 Points
Drinking exceptionally well right now.....this has all come together in perfect balance and is firing on all cylinders. Enjoyed with French fare with friends tonight. Exceptionally balanced and integrated fruit, tannins and acidity. Not overpowering in any way, this '16 is drinking the best I have tasted it. Drinks as high as the bottle from 5/19 but needs only 5-10 min of air now instead of 45-60. What a deal! Enjoyed by all.....
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9/6/2020 - Decanting Queen Likes this wine:
Same as previous notes, maybe +1 for a 93. Continues to drink well if not better and one of the best QPRs around for solid Napa cab
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8/13/2020 - Brockster303 Likes this wine: 93 Points
One of the best values in Napa. Kirk loves fruit. Fruitier than the Stags Leap.from the other night. Still good. An hour in the decanter took the edge off.
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7/10/2020 - Mark1npt Likes this wine: 92 Points
Pretty decent wine! Thanks, Jimbo.....fruit is strong, acidity is matched and it drinks well over a few hours of air in the glass....well worth the money.
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6/25/2020 - YankeeRobio Likes this wine: 93 Points
Much improved. High fruit content is settling down and more classic notes are coming to the surface.
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6/22/2020 - vesuvius Likes this wine: 92 Points
Yup. Napa Valley Cabernet. Quintessential notes on nose and palate. Dark fruit, a little sweet on the onset followed by deep garnet, brooding berry, with tobacco notes tinged with leather. The tannins will carry this wine and its complexity for a number of years yet, although it’s happy to release its youthful exuberance for your enjoyment now (please decant for an hour!)
And if you have the patience, another hour will open up warm spices, like a Warm winter’s night cap. Very pleasant.
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6/13/2020 - Realdoc1 Likes this wine: 91 Points
This vintage meets my expectations. Earthy fragrance with a hint of of oak. Fruit forward but a smooth elegance with shoulders. Never disappoints. A value in a Napa Cab. Great with aged cheddar before and grilled steak for dinner.
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5/14/2020 - HowellMountainCru Likes this wine: 91 Points
Still solid but I didn't like it near as much as earlier bottles. Fruit dominated with fruit tending toward the red side currently. All other components, average or slightly above average but not notable. Down to my last 3 bottles in my case. Continues to be a great value in Napa Cabernet.
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5/1/2020 - N.Bonaparte wrote: 91 Points
Popped and poured. Needs about 20 min in the glass. Big up front glob of delicious fruit but lacking in complexity, mid palate and finish. Overall an enjoyable wine that is priced properly. I don’t see this improving with more years but would likely benefit for a 2-3 hour decant.
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3/24/2020 - tfharris Likes this wine: 92 Points
Omg. Big and bold Calistoga. This wine is kirks masterpiece!
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3/8/2020 - jwolf99 Likes this wine: 92 Points
As others have said, big but pure fruit; if this had more complexity, it could easily push 94 , maybe even 95. Enjoyable nonetheless.
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2/26/2020 - edg2017 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Big, bold, and fruit forward? Yup! A lot of complexity? Not so much. A great PnP easy drinking wine with a sick QPR @ $45 a bottle? ABSOLUTELY!
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2/11/2020 - Decanting Queen Likes this wine:
Same score as last time (92) so I won’t score again and overweight the ratings with my opinion! Very enjoyable wine. Ordered at a restaurant for a group with mixed wine tastes and I knew it would be a safe bet. This is a wine that you can drink on pnp. Although relatively simple and very fruity, even the French wine drinkers could appreciate the purity of fruit from the ‘16 vintage. Also given its QPR, on a wine menu that is marked up 2-3x I don’t feel so bad because it drinks like a $100 wine.
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1/30/2020 - Buckeyewino Likes this wine: 92 Points
Pretty good now, but has lots of bottle life left.
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1/29/2020 - jrhonda160 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Great wine, super smooth.
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1/10/2020 - AGELVIS Likes this wine: 92 Points
Two hour decant. Nearly opaque purple color. Syrupy dark fruit, cayenne, pomegranate, date and floral perfume on the rich nose. Dry, crushed velvet palate, with nice acidity. Full, muscular tannins on the medium long finish.
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12/18/2019 - Mark1npt Likes this wine: 92 Points
A pretty solid 92 all day long.....solid cab blend. Not a big time wine but a solid everyday drinker if you have them....
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12/14/2019 - Nutty08 Likes this wine: 92 Points
A gift from a friend. Lovely Napa cab. Leans toward darker fruit. Forward, somewhat soft palate but not overworked. Strong finish with chocolate notes. Nice balance of fruit and oak. Seems forward enough to drink now.
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11/27/2019 - wineotim wrote: 91 Points
Sampled at a local store event. Ripe, open, juicy style.
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10/9/2019 - Jmac56 Likes this wine: 89 Points
Not as big as usual, a bit hollow. Deep inky color, after breathing gained more structure and tannin, modest fruit.
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10/8/2019 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 90 Points
Bubbles and Holiday Wine, nose of black cherry, black berry, and floral notes, same on the palate, young-needs 3 years cellar time, medium/big body, everything present but excitement, long finish.
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10/5/2019 - AGELVIS Likes this wine: 91 Points
One hour decant. Nearly opaque, but very bright magenta color. Vanilla bean, blackberry cordial, black cherry and hazelnut on the inviting nose. Dry, velvety palate, with fine acidity that coats the tongue. Plush, throat filling tannins on the medium long finish.
This is Caymus-esque, but lower price and less extracted. Very quaffable and yet nicely built at the same time.
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9/20/2019 - Brockster303 Likes this wine: 93 Points
My favorite wine of the night. Everything dialed up to 8; huge expressive nose or raspberries and blueberries; never a disappointment.
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9/3/2019 - pakabear Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very similar to previous years, new world heavy, cherry, cassis, raspberry, cinnamon and clove with hints of licorice. Velvety mouthfeel and good balance. Again, new world focused so if you like left bank only, this is not for you.
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8/31/2019 - Nutty08 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Lighter more elegant style. Red fruited, bright palate. Quite fresh. Length could be a bit longer but really enjoying the scaled down style.
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8/16/2019 - Ceo wrote: 94 Points
Still on top
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8/15/2019 - jaxpaj wrote: 93 Points
GREAT QPR
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7/28/2019 - Decanting Queen Likes this wine: 92 Points
After 2 flawed bottles and feeling a bit under the weather, this bottle was a safe bet. As others have stated, the Silencieux is an amazing QPR and you always know what you are getting. Full fruit forward without being too syrupy or jammy, black fruit, cassis, fresh blueberry, vanilla and spice. I may have enjoyed this most on Pnp when the fruit was freshest. With a few hours air it integrates nicely and becomes smoother, but you miss out on some of the bright fruit. Excellent either way though.
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6/29/2019 - Chrisbrost wrote:
$65
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5/25/2019 - Eye Drink Reds Likes this wine: 91 Points
Lots of dark-fruits (cassis, blackberry), black licorice, mocha, and oak. Although it had good mid-palate concentration, it was not jammy at all, just right. This was nice on PnP, but could use an hour decant at this point. Good QPR. Definitely made in the style to be drank with minimal cellaring, but still young and will likely improve in 1-2 years (+91).
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5/24/2019 - AGELVIS Likes this wine: 91 Points
Three hour decant. Deep dark purplish magenta color. Caramel, maraschino cherry and baby powder on the nose. Brambly, mouth filling palate, with good acidity. Firm, full tannins on the medium long finish. This already drinking well, but will certainly improve with more cellar time.
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5/18/2019 - morris.smith@mindspring.com Likes this wine:
Good very fruit forward
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5/16/2019 - Mark1npt Likes this wine: 94 Points
This bottle better than the last, better black and blue fruit on the nose....great midpalate of sweet tannins, cassis, and more fruit. This is a terrific value for the money. Drinking very well right now. It excels at room temp and with 45 min of air.
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5/4/2019 - Francophile1 Likes this wine: 89 Points
In stark contrast to the Bruno Clair Chambolle-Musigny we had just before it, this is a flamboyant, extracted glass full of creme de cassis with a vanilla bean sweetness of the finish. The Burgundy is a lovely lady, but the Venge is a one night stand. Many new world palates will love this American crowd pleaser. A bit of noticeable alcohol on the finish that knocked this back a few points for me.
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3/27/2019 - JJ Cellars Likes this wine: 93 Points
First taste, Still a little young. Fine tannin finish.
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3/17/2019 - Margaux Bro wrote: 95 Points
My last rating was a 94, I had another bottle last night and I am bumping it to 95. This is an amazing wine, made in a style that is approachable at a younger age. It is very big and ripe, but still nicely balanced. I’m not a huge Napa fan because you typically have to spend $80+ to find a bottle of this quality, but I will buy Venge Silencieux all day.
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3/15/2019 - CdrCabernet Likes this wine: 92 Points
Bold, upfront fruit. Highly concentrated cab with mild but pleasing tannins. Great long finish. This is a good sipping wine for relaxing. I sampled this at a tasting with Silver Oak Alexander Valley and SO Napa. There was no contest. This is a better value than either.
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2/10/2019 - Buck Brohoff wrote:
Delicious
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1/21/2019 - Somm David T Likes this wine: 92 Points
The 2016 Silencieux is; 96% Cabernet 2% Cabernet Franc & Petit Verdot.
The nose reveals softness. Ripe, floral, fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, black sugar plum & some dark cherries. Black licorice, anise, vanilla, light clove, some spice, leather, sandstone, dark & purple flowers, violets and lavender.
The palate is medium, rich and lush round. So easy to drink now. Such freshness. Ruby, floral fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, black sugar plum & some dark cherries. Black licorice, anise, vanilla, light clove & cinnamon, dark spice with heat, leather, black rich soil, clay, sandstone, crushed rocks, dark & purple flowers, violets and lavender. Just a shade of hot alcohol. The acidity is round and beautiful. The rich, lush, polished, elegantly feminine finish is beautiful and persists minutes.
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1/11/2019 - AGELVIS Likes this wine: 91 Points
Three hour decant. Deep dark magenta color. Blackberry jelly, cola and anise on the fragrant, but young nose. Velvety palate with wonderful tongue coating acidity. Lush, round tannins on the medium long finish.
This is already very acccessible (and very good), but another year or two will really help. It feels like something is being held back at the moment. A little too simple.
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12/3/2018 - Margaux Bro Likes this wine: 94 Points
Love this wine. Buying more. Sorry I don't have any detailed notes, it got me drunk.
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11/25/2018 - RockyII Likes this wine: 93 Points
Notes at the 3 hour decant mark. Deep purple color. Big nose of blueberries and sweet oak. Flavors are similar but with heavy blackberry and black cherry and notes of licorice and baker's cocoa. Low tannins but medium plus acidity holds everything together without being jammy. Medium plus body. Very approachable for a 2016 and already drinking well. Great QPR on this wine. About 92, 93 if taking into account QPR.
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11/25/2018 - YankeeRobio Likes this wine: 93 Points
Good wine, deeper in structure than the '15
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10/17/2018 - Mark1npt Likes this wine: 92 Points
Shared by HowellMountainCru, thanks!.....Close to a 93.....and a very good wine for its price point. Very welcoming nose and flavor profile. Not a weak link I can think of. Very well put together, high quality, again, especially taking the cost into account (which I'm trying hard not to do). This, Venge's basic Napa Valley cab ranks up there with Drinkward Peschon as the 2 best value cabs for the money in Napa right now. I wish Napa offered more wines like this. Most people cannot drink $150 cabs every night. Most Napa cabs in this price range just don't compare.
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10/7/2018 - Cspeier wrote: 91 Points
Decanted 3 hours
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10/6/2018 - Aussiecam wrote:
From Wine & Cheese Place:
This is one of the most amazing finds from Napa we have ever come across. For the last four years,
it is our best selling "wine you've never heard of."
Proprietor Kirk Venge (son of Nils Venge, the
first American winemaker to ever receive a 100
Point Rating) has not fallen far from the vine, and
has become one of the most sought-after
winemakers in the Valley. Over the last 5 years, he's made over 2 dozen 95 Point or higher scoring wines.
For this wine, he sources fruit from his mature estate vines in Calistoga, as well as his friends' vineyards in Rutherford and Oakville. This wine has panache, but is not over the top. I like to think of it as a more refined Caymus. You can drink it now or hold it for a few years.
I cannot stress how fast this wine sells out. It will not be reviewed until December, and given the track record (a pair of 95's and a 94 in the last 4 years) and the hype of the 2016 vintage, this will be gone by the end of the week.
Fresh roasted coffee, sweet cassis and aromatic blue fruits lead the way to full bodied deli-ciousness. Dense and compact, with firm tannins that fully support the cascade of mouth coating flavors. The finish is remarkably lengthy and com-plex. This wine is approachable upon release and cellar worthy in proper aging conditions. Best now through 2028. --Winery Notes
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9/2/2018 - Badmonkey wrote: 92 Points
Served at a local store. Dark ruby/purple fruit - blackberry, dark currants, dark cherry, and a little blueberry. Smooth mid-palate coupled with solid depth/concentration for the price point. Nice rich/vibrant flavors of dark berries and some spice. Decent finish but not overly long nor deep. Apparently the bottles were open a couple hours before serving. Enjoyable at this youthful stage but I believe another year or so will benefit this vintage to let the fruit open-up a little more - although I'm sure a decent decant would have helped as well. 96% cab sauvignon, 2% petit verdot, and 2% cab franc.
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8/25/2018 - rustyRudy Likes this wine: 92 Points
Dark purple. Tasting pour at a wine store. Dark fruited nose, big, and at this stage very lush and fruit forward. Lots of concentration. Needs a few years to settle down, integrate and get its act together. I believe it does have a lot of promise.
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7/28/2018 - Ceo wrote: 93 Points
Needs air and very young but shows very well after decant. Great mouthfeel and finish!! Definitely cellaring for a bit!🍷🍷🍷🍷
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