2010 Venge Cabernet Sauvignon Family Reserve

There are 350 cases of the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Family Reserve which boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as beautiful aromas of cassis, red and black fruits, high-toned spicy oak, a full-bodied, layered mouthfeel, and a finish that lasts 45-50 seconds. This fabulous, All American Cabernet Sauvignon that comes from a first-growth site will offer glorious drinking over the next 20-25 years. I am glad to see the Venges building sweeter tannins into their wines so they have accessibility in their youth and adolescence. Kirk Venge purchased the brand in 2008 from his father Nils and has been making the wines for Venge Family Reserve ever since. Tel. (707) 942-9100

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Family Reserve captures all the best qualities of the year. Gorgeous, beautifully delineated aromatics lead to crisp, delineated flavors, all supported by firm, yet beautifully balanced tannins. Today the 2010 doesn't have the sheer volume of the 2009, but my impression is that will come in time, as it will for so many wines of the year. Plums, blueberries and freshly cut flowers linger on the nuanced finished. This is a terrific showing from Venge.