Saddleback Cellars

Nils Venge Estate Vineyard Merlot

8.910 ratings
8.51 pro ratings
Napa Valley, California, USA
Merlot
Beef, Venison, Salami & Prosciutto, Chili & Hot Spicy, Potato, Exotic Spices, Lamb, White Rice, Baking Spices, Herbs, Pasta, Chicken, Mushrooms, Pungent Cheese, Turkey, Tomato-Based, Soft Cheese, Pork, Beans & Peas, Hard Cheese, Duck, Onion, Shallot, Garlic
Top Notes For
Henry Patland

Nice Merlot

Nice Merlot

Dec 8th, 2012
Mark Turner

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.

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.

Apr 18th, 2021
Richard Hickmon

2006

Aug 17th, 2014
Cat Belanger

Cat had this 7 years ago

Cat had this 7 years ago

Sep 1st, 2017
Chris Hatch

Chris had this 9 years ago

Chris had this 9 years ago

Jul 13th, 2015
Peter Lilly

Peter had this 10 years ago

Peter had this 10 years ago

Jan 11th, 2015
Wade McDevitt

Wade had this 10 years ago

Wade had this 10 years ago

Aug 26th, 2014
Jason Hagen

Jason had this 11 years ago

Jason had this 11 years ago

Jan 13th, 2014
Tim Anderson

Tim had this 11 years ago

Tim had this 11 years ago

Nov 25th, 2013
Kim Tanley

Kim had this 11 years ago

Kim had this 11 years ago

Jun 30th, 2013