2006 Saddleback Cabernet Sauvignon Nils Venge Estate

The austere, lean 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon does not measure up to what one normally expects from this winery. It exhibits a glaring new oak component along with a black cherry and spicy, peppery character, and overall seems to be an aberration for the normally high quality Cabernets that emerge from this cellar. This is a two-tiered operation with the Saddleback Cellars wines generally made from blends of estate fruit from their 20 acres in Oakville as well as purchased lots. The Venge Family Reserve cuvees are made from nearly all estate grown fruit with small amounts of purchased fruit utilized as well. The Venge Family Reserve wines tend to be the more esteemed, and consequently, are higher priced. This is a fun estate to visit as there is no shortage of personality from the father and son team of Nils and Kirk Venge. The flagship offerings appear under the Venge Family Reserve label. Some enticing wines are produced, largely from estate vineyards in Oakville, but occasionally supplemented by purchased fruit. Tel. (707) 944-1305; Fax (707) 944-1325; Venge Family Reserve: Tel. (707) 942-9100; Fax (707) 942-9121