Doug Powers

8.9

Solid California Albariño from a vineyard in Carneros, good acid, a tad too ripe (14.1% ABV) for me, but very well made (by Nils Venge, not Mils Venge — LOL). — 2 months ago

with Jim

Donald Williams

9.2

Label got a bit messed up, but the wine was really nice. — 6 years ago

with Bonnie

Russell Perry

9.0

Delicious rose. Not sure of the varietal, but Russian river valley, so Pinot? — 6 years ago

with Danielle

Felipe Cavallini

9.0

Vino de nils — 7 years ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.6

Friday night vibes... The Hossfeld’s aptly named Coliseum Vineyard was planted by the late Henry Hossfeld during the 1980s. The rock is so solid at this terraced vineyard that he literally had to frack the vine holes with dynamite. Late last year, the Hossfeld’s suffered significant damage from the Atlas Fire, including their homes and 15 of the 20 acres under vine, not to mention most of their 2017 crop. I knew this bottle would be special, but had no idea of the impact of the fires on this family.
Mark Carter founded his eponymous label in 1998 with the help of Nils Venge. Mike Smith would later become winemaker after Thomas Rivers Brown introduced him to Carter. Carter’s 2015 Hossfeld Coliseum is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and easily rivals Duckhorn’s 2014 Three Palms. Decadent black fruit leads the way, but it’s loaded with dates, fig, clove, spice cake, baking spice, and just the right edge of underbrush. This is best described as a gravy train of hedonism. — 9 years ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.3

From Magnum, which I suspect was mis-priced by the retailer as a 750ml. Any leeriness regarding the vintage was assuaged by the reputation and location of the producer. Keenan has been producing Spring Mountain juice since 1977. Nils Venge has been consulting Michael Keenan since 1994, and his hand is evident. Really hits its stride at two hours. Reminiscent of Cathy Corison's 2011, the wine opens with beautifully roasted poblano peppers, which leads into a stunningly authentic mole sauce replete with a full array of Mexican spices. All of which sets the stage for the fleshy black cherry. They definitely included some valley floor fruit, but the mountain fruit is more than evident, providing structure and ultimately responsible for a finish which leaves everything dusted in artisanally sourced Peruvian cocoa powder. Definitely going back for all the rest tomorrow. — 9 years ago

Neal Ferry

9.2

Fantastic and so good — 3 years ago

with TwiLea

Mark Turner

9.1

After reminiscing about the late ‘90’s and tasting at Saddleback with Nils Venge, we headed to the cellar and pulled this bottle. It was a bit oxidized and had a little petrol on the nose. Bordeaux funk throughout. Color was clear and bright. Raspberry on the palate. Initially we were ready to pour it out as past it’s prime but we let it sit and it became more approachable. The finish was short with a lingering black cherry taste. It continues to evolve and as I continue to evaluate it 4 hours later, I have increased the rating a Overall it would say drink it now. But give it some time in a decanter instead of writing it off. — 5 years ago

Curtis Anders

9.1

Great tannins and oak. Nils Venge still has the touch. — 7 years ago

D Fisher

9.0

Great pizza wine — 8 years ago

darling girl

9.8

Big fruit and long finish. Been drinking this big full-bodied red blend for years, and this vintage doesn't disappoint! Winemaker Kirk Venge is taking Dad Nils' abilities onward. The base of this wine is single-sourced old vine zin, and the Charbono, Petite Sirah and Syrah are similarly sourced. — 9 years ago

Mike Smith

Owner/Winemaker Myriad Cellars

9.1

With Nils Venge — 9 years ago

Lily Wang

9.3

Well balanced, good tannins
Nils 7/10 — 9 years ago

Nancy Janzen

10

7/22 Discovered on tap at Benneditos this summer. Nice foamy head and just tastes like golden ale the way its meant to be. Enjoyed with Nils and John — 4 years ago

Seth Masterson

9.3

I mis-identifed this as a Napa cabernet blend but it's straight zinfandel.
On the nose is vanilla and spice, stewed and dried fruit, a great use of American oak.
There is a wonderful suppleness, elegance on the tongue and a balance of acidity without tannins that clearly distinguishes it from cabernets. I would have never called myself a fan of Zinfandel but if they were all like this one...

Rootstock — 4 years ago

Skip Smyser

9.4

On same tasting purchased this great Zin. Many people don’t know that Nils Venge had the first 100 point wine in Napa Valley. Saddleback is a hidden treasure with soooo much history. This will age well for years. So well balanced with great structure. 🍷🍷 — 6 years ago

Jake Hajer

9.2

Such a huge fan of this winery. Uncut grass, a clean barn, white flowers, honeysuckle. On the palate, medium-light, brine. Well made. Rustic yet fresh. — 8 years ago

Nathan Renfro

9.0

Easy drinking, hints of citrus, very smooth, low acidity, very nice — 9 years ago

D Fisher

9.3

Wow. Fifteen years old and going strong. Drinks like it could last another decade. Bravo! Sad he nixed Nils or they'd all be this good — 9 years ago

Deborah M

9.0

Nice bright red wine. Easy to drink. I found it even better on day two. Lots of mouth watering acid. Slight tart with a hint of spice on the finish. Savory red fruit. Cherries. Definitely a table pleaser. Nils Venge still makes great wine. Well after being the first 100pt American and the “King of Cab.” — 9 years ago