Acclaim for Our Wine

Ratings

Cabernet Sauvignon Ratings

Vintage 2005:

91 points - Robert Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate

“A better bet is the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by notes of licorice, tobacco leaf, blackberries, and vanillin. It should drink nicely for a decade or more.”

Vintage 2004:

92 points - Robert Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate

Vintage 2003:

90 points - Robert Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate

"..possesses excellent sweetness, plumpness, fat and flesh along with beautiful structure."

Vintage 2000:

90 - Wine Spectator - Oct 31, 2003

Firm, intense and focused on a center of earthy currant, mineral, dusty oak and spice notes. Long, rich, detailed aftertaste. Finishes with solid, gritty tannins, giving it a slight rustic edge. Best from 2004 through 2012. 2,500 cases made.
87 - Wine Advocate - Dec 2003

The 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon (which tips the scales at 14.8% alcohol) exhibits a dark ruby/plum color in addition to aromas of cassis, figs, and resiny characteristics offered in a medium to full-bodied, monolithic but chewy, big, spicy style. Drink it over the next 10-12 years.

Vintage 1999:

Certainly the richest and most dramatic Saddleback Chardonnay produced to date. Prominent toasty, leesy, vanilla aromas jump from the glass... Very complex, round and fleshy considering this was produced without malolactic fermentation. A surprising release...

Bob Cranston - The Wine Authority

Vintage 1997:

Needless to say, this is the first of many terrific 1997 Cab's produced by Nils. Exotic blackberry and spice aromas open on the palate where fruit and oak explode from one end to the other. juicy, jammy, and velvet soft with well integrated layers of fruit and oak. Round, lush and expansive, this should continue to improve over the next 10 or 15 years, but it is also enjoyable now. As always, try this beauty with lamb, beef, or venison.

Bob Cranston - The Wine Authority - April 2000

Vintage 1996:

Complex aromas of cherry, cedar, tobacco and spice. Rich, ripe, full and sweet with exotic layers of cinnamon and clove; a very dense and concentrated wine. Full-bodied and muscular with juicy tannins that will benefit from 5-6 years of bottle age.

Bob Cranston, The Wine Authority
...chewy, full-bodied, and thick. Not yet complex, it is super-concentrated, with gobs of toasty oak (about 40% American oak is utilized in the wine's upbringing), and a low acid, chunky, heavyweight style..." (tasting of a barrel sample on 8 September 1998) Anticipated maturity: 2001-2015.

Robert Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate

Vintage 1995:

91 - Robert M Parker, Jr, The Wine Advocate

The 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is potentially a point or two superior to the 1994. The wine reveals a superb cassis and blueberry-like nose, round, soft tannin, outstanding purity and ripeness, and a long, silky-textured finish. It is an impressive example of California Cabernet Sauvignon.
Very spicy and assertive with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cassis in the nose. Ripe, generous and full with plummy flavors and a dense meaty texture. Tremendous depth, weight and intensity; excellent tannin integration and mouthfeel. This is a sensational Cabernet from an outstanding vintage that should continue to develop...

Bob Cranston, The Wine Authority
I'd love to put it up against some of these wines selling for $75 to $100 a bottle -- I think it would stand right up to them. Intense, deep color. Rich, luscious quality of berries. Has a sort of a leathery overtone on the nose, with a briar background. It's a real mouthful of wine. The oak shows a perfect but full balance. It's a delicious full fruit and certainly a long-lived wine. The long, lingering flavors are soft and full, both at the same time.

Narsai David, KCBS Radio - 10/98

Vintage 1994:

90 - The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker, Jr. - 12/96

The 1994 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is reminiscent of the Groth Cabernets produced in the mid-eighties. The wine exhibits plenty of chocolatey, cassis fruit, a nice touch of toasty oak, a thick, chewy texture, and mouthfilling extract and richness. The tannin is obscured by the wine's ripe fruit. The 1994 should drink well for 12-15 years.

Vintage 1993:

90 - The Wine Advocate - 12-95

Robert Parker
The Wine Authority - 1-96
92 - The Wine Spectator - 1996
Nils Venge started this winery as a side venture while he was the winemaker at Groth. If this Cabernet is any indication of what he can do consistently, give us more.

The Wine Spectator

Vintage 1989:

88 - The Wine Enthusiast - 12/95

Best Buy

Chardonnay Ratings

Vintage 2007:

88 points - Robert Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate

Vintage 2001:

87 - Wine Advocate - Dec 2003

Readers looking for a Chablis-like Chardonnay should check out the 2001 Chardonnay. Its sojourn in French oak is well-concealed by the lemony, tropical fruit scents and flavors. A solid, medium-bodied, cleanly made effort, it should drink well for 1-2 years.

Vintage 1999:

Certainly the richest and most drama6c Saddleback Chardonnay produced to date. Prominent toasty, leesy, vanilla aromas jump from the glass... Very complex, round and fleshy considering this was produced without malolactic fermentation. A surprising release...

Bob Cranston, The Wine Authority

Vintage 1997:

Ripe tropical fruit and accents of coconut are nicely framed by spicy oak components. Very complex and toasty with well rounded vanilla and butterscotch flavors. Full and flavorful with loads of fleshy fruit and no malolactic influence... imagine that. A very pleasant style of Chardonnay that has the acidity to improve over the next 3-5 years.

Bob Cranston, The Wine Authority - 7/98
Full, luscious quality on the nose. Fine oak that touches a substantial mouthful. This is a wine to age. A real powerhouse with a splendid lemon grass-like touch on the palate. Its not often that I'm recommending aging a white wine for more than a year. I would say four or five years easily for the 1997 Chardonnay...

Narsai David, KCBS Radio - 10/98

Vintage 1996:

Bob Cranston, The Wine Authority

Vintage 1994:

The Wine Authority - 1-96

Vintage 1993:

87 - The Wine Advocate - 12-95

Robert Parker

Merlot Ratings

Vintage 2004:

90 points - Robert Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate

Merlot Case Special Ratings

Vintage 2004:

90 points - Robert Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate

Nils Cabernet Sauvignon 25th Anniversary Ratings

Vintage 2006:

92 points - Robert Parker Jr, The Wine Advocate

Old Vine Zinfandel Ratings

Vintage 2006:

87 points - Robert Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate

Vintage 2001:

90 - Wine Advocate - Oct 2003

Typical of the Zinfandels produced by Nils Venge, this is a no-holds barred, Amarone-like effort boasting a dark plum/ruby color in addition to a big, thick, juicy bouquet of prunes, raisins, jammy black cherries, and earth. As the wine sits in the glass, aromas of pepper, wood, and spice box emerge. Full-bodied, unctuously-textured, and high in alcohol, it should be consumed over the next 2-4 years for its gutsy, exuberant yet somewhat controversial style.

Vintage 1998:

Sweet raspberries, roasted plums and nuts on the nose, Thick and jammy with plenty of ripe fruit and oak. Complex layers of fruit, spice and moderate tannins on the finish. This beauty will certainly improve over the next three to five years...

Bob Cranston, The Wine Authority

Vintage 1996:

Intense brambly spice, black plum and licorice aromas and flavors. Very full bodied and highly extracted with layers of fleshy fruit and smoky oak. Broad, muscular and dense on the palate with ever-expanding depth and complexity; let this baby open for an hour or two before serving. Outstanding length with nuances of chocolate/mocha on the finish. Given the price of many top quality Zins, this is a steal.

Bob Cranston, The Wine Authority - 7/98

Vintage 1995:

92 - Robert Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate

...richest and most intense Zinfandels of the vintage... amazingly lavish aromas of toasty oak and black fruits... beautifully textured... jammy black-raspberry fruit... rich, blockbuster-styled Zinfandel...
Bob Cranston, The Wine Authority

Vintage 1994:

91 - Robert Parker, Jr. - 1996

Pinot Blanc Ratings

Vintage 2002:

87 - Wine Advocate - Dec 2003

I enjoyed the crisp, elegant 2002 Pinot Blanc. Hints of orange rind are found in this medium-bodied, straightforward, food-friendly dry white.

Vintage 2000:

Floral, grapefruit, apricot aromas jump from the glass with lovely honeysuckle; velvety mouthfeel with some grapefruit and orange peel flavors; wonderful balance with excellent bright acidity. Nils Venge knows how to make Pinot Blanc.

Alan Goldfarb - San Francisco Examiner

Vintage 1999:

Fat and juicy with aromas of melon, figs and tropical fruits. Medium-full bodied with a sweet scent and taste of mild oak. Very nice complexity and crisp acidity in the finish. A great picnic wine to enjoy with ham, turkey, or shellfish.

Bob Cranston - The Wine Authority - April 2000

Vintage 1998:

Bright aromas of bananas and citrus. Creamy and minerally with a lush texture and a long vibrant finish. Medium bodied and very generous while maintaining a refreshing purity of fruit; produced with partial malolactic fermentation.

Bob Cranston, The Wine Authority

Vintage 1997:

More pronounced mineral and toasted almond aromas than past vintages; very forward and exotic. Medium bodied and very creamy with generous tropical fruit, honey and pear flavors. Nicely balanced and very appealing, crisp without being tart...

Bob Cranston, The Wine Authority

Vintage 1995:

Better than most Chardonnay wanna-be's! Lush and vibrant with well focused tropical fruit, toasted nuts and vanilla aromas and flavors. Wonderfully complex and well balanced for such an unassuming wine. Good weight and acidity make this a joy from beginning to end.

The Wine Authority - 11/96
87 - The Wine Enthusiast

Deep yellow with beige tone. Moderately full-bodied. Full acidity. Moderately extracted. Moderately oaked. Nuts, apricots, vanilla. A distinctive style, with good fruit showing through an exceedingly firm structure...

Vintage 1994:

86 - The Wine Advocate - 12-95

Robert Parker
The Wine Authority - 1-96

Vintage 1993:

83 - The Wine Enthusiast

Pinot Grigio Ratings

Vintage 2007:

87 points - Robert Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate

Vintage 2002:

88 - Wine Advocate - Dec 2003

The finest example yet produced, the 2002 Pinot Grigio is a flowery, perfumed, medium-bodied offering with excellent ripeness, loads of fruit, and a clean, long finish.

Vintage 2000:

Orange blossoms and jasmine perfume fill the nose; while soft, rich, viscous orange and grapefruit fill the palate. This wine displays perfect balance and richness, which coats the mouth. Simply lovely.

Alan Goldfarb - San Francisco Examiner

Vintage 1999:

Bright and nutty with aromas of toasted apple and peaches. Light-medium bodied and very refined.with a crisp minerally character that tickles the palate. Complex, clean and fruity with a good dose of acidity that should pair well with all types of seafood and even creamy pasta dishes and mild cheeses.

Bob Cranston - The Wine Authority - April 2000

Sauvignon Blanc Ratings

Vintage 1999:

Very, bright aromas of cantaloupe, apricot and citrus zest. Sweet, ripe and very forward and lively. Round and lush with a clean, crisp finish that's pleasantly tart and rcfrcshing.

Bob Cranston, The Wine Authority

Vintage 1997:

Rich, toasty aromas with a distinctive spice character. Excellent body with round melon and honey flavors. Lush and mouthfilling without the grassy or herbal edge that can overwhelm many good Sauvignons.

Bob Cranston, The Wine Authority - 7/98

Scout's Honor Ratings

Vintage 2006:

88 points - Robert Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate - Dec 2007

“A blend of Zinfandel, Charbono, and Petite Sirah is the excellent 2005 Venge Scout?s Honor. Bri-ery, gamy, herb, tar, truffle, black cherry, and wile mountain berry fruit are present in this rich, me-dium to full-bodied effort. It is best drunk over the next 3-4 years.”

Vintage 2001:

90 - Wine Advocate - Dec 2003

The 2001 Venge Family Reserve Scouts Honor (79% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, and 7% Charbono) boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as a big, sweet, medium to full-bodied personality loaded with exuberant, fleshy, black cherry and currant flavors. It is a deep, chewy, full-throttle, All-American red to drink over the next 4-5 years.

Vintage 1996:

see vintage description

Bob Cranston, The Wine Authroity

Vintage 1994:

This homage to Nils's long-time companion and trusty hunting dog 'Scout' is made from 75% Zinfandel and 25% Sangiovese. Dark and saturated purple color with an intense nose of spice, clove and blackberry jam. Full, broad and very dense with layers of spicy fruit and toasty, smoky oak. This is a very meaty wine with plenty of grip and full tannins that will develop substantially over the next 3-5 years...

Bob Cranston, The Wine Authority

Syrah, Los Carneros Ratings

Vintage 2007:

87 points - Robert Parker, Jr. - Dec 2009

Viognier Ratings

Vintage 2008:

4 Star Gold Medal - Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition - 2009

Vintage 2007:

88 points - Robert Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate

Vintage 2002:

87 - Wine Advocate - Dec 2003

The 2002 Viognier, from a varietal not known for delicate wines, is a tasty, restrained, nuanced Viognier offering up notes of honeysuckle and apricots. This medium-bodied, dry white should be consumed over the next year.
88 - Wine Spectator - Feb 29, 2004

Offers a tight beam of earthy citrus, ripe pear, spice and hazelnut, finishing with a rich, complex aftertaste. Excellent price. Drink now through 2007. 441 cases made.

Vintage 1998:

A nice example of this tempting white varietal and a good first effort from "The Nilster". Peach, apple, and spice aromas and flavors are nicely baLanced with a crisp minerally character. Medium-full bodied and quite fruity, this is a tasty little wine that will make a nice companion to chicken satay, grilled prawns and prosciutto and melon. This is a good place to start for those who have yet to try Viognier.

Bob Cranston - The Wine Authority

Awards

Cabernet Sauvignon Awards

Vintage 2005:

Silver Medal - San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition - 2010

Vintage 2004:

Silver Medal - San Francisco Chronicle Competition - 2007
Silver Medal - Orange County Fair - 2008

Merlot Awards

Vintage 2005:

Silver Medal - San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition - 2010

Vintage 2004:

Gold Medal - Orange County Wine Competition - 2007

Merlot Case Special Awards

Vintage 2004:

Gold Medal - Orange County Wine Competition 2007

Pinot Grigio Awards

Vintage 2008:

Silver Medal - San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition - 2010

Vintage 2007:

Bronze Medal - Orange County Fair - June 2008

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