Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
One of the most compelling Cabernet Sauvignons Nils Venge has produced (and there have been many over the last 30 years) is his 1997 Venge Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Sadly, there are only 300 cases of this 100% new oak-aged effort. Tipping the scales at 14+% alcohol, it is a super-extracted, black/purple-colored effort displaying a gorgeous nose of creme de cassis intermixed with licorice, spice box, cedar, and smoke. Huge layers of glycerin, fat, and fruit caress the palate of this formidable effort. The wine has marvelous balance for its size as well as a long, impressive finish.
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Wine Spectator
A ripe, rich, harmonious wine, with layers of juicy currant, blackberry, anise, sage, plum and cedar, all well focused, offering depth, complexity and concentration.
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
Home to some of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon in America, Napa Valley’s Oakville district stretches across the center of Napa's valley floor and foothills between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. This AVA is home to the legendary To Kalon Vineyard and Martha's Vineyard, as well as many powerhouse wineries including Screaming Eagle, Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Far Niente and Groth.
The climate is generally warm and agreeable, resulting in year after year of favorable vintages. Summer days see a gentle tug of war between warmer inland air and the cool air coming in from the San Pablo Bay, creating an ideal environment to grow red varieties. Oakville's diverse soils, namely ancient sea bedrock, clay and gravel, are well-drained, and perfect for high-caliber viticulture.
Cabernet here is often bottled varietally but is also popular in Bordeaux Blends. Oakville wines are known for their silky, sensual textures, structured tannins, dark and brooding fruit and lovely aromatics. These age-worthy and prestigious wines are favored by collectors throughout the world.