Venge Vineyards

Kenefick Ranch Vineyard Merlot

9.38 ratings
9.31 pro ratings
Calistoga, 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
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

The nose reveals, ruby, ripe, fresh fruits of; blackberries, dark cherries, dark plum, loads of purple fruits, black raspberries, black licorice, sweet tarriness, limestone & volcanic minerals, vanilla, caramel, light pepper notes, crush rocks, leather, saddle-wood, whiffs of mint and fresh dark and purple florals.

The body is medium, rich and ruby round. Tannins are round, soft with just a touch of dust. Ruby, ripe, fresh fruits of; blackberries, dark cherries, dark plum, cherries, loads of purple fruits, black raspberries, black licorice, more understated sweet tarriness than the nose, limestone & volcanic minerals, vanilla, caramel, light pepper notes, crush rocks, leather, saddle-wood, whiffs of mint and fresh dark and purple florals. The acidy is round and rain shower like. The rich, ripe, ruby, well balanced & polished finish is delicious with good length.

Photos of; Venge tasting room building, their Merlot grapes, tasting room and Estate vines.

The nose reveals, ruby, ripe, fresh fruits of; blackberries, dark cherries, dark plum, loads of purple fruits, black raspberries, black licorice, sweet tarriness, limestone & volcanic minerals, vanilla, caramel, light pepper notes, crush rocks, leather, saddle-wood, whiffs of mint and fresh dark and purple florals.

The body is medium, rich and ruby round. Tannins are round, soft with just a touch of dust. Ruby, ripe, fresh fruits of; blackberries, dark cherries, dark plum, cherries, loads of purple fruits, black raspberries, black licorice, more understated sweet tarriness than the nose, limestone & volcanic minerals, vanilla, caramel, light pepper notes, crush rocks, leather, saddle-wood, whiffs of mint and fresh dark and purple florals. The acidy is round and rain shower like. The rich, ripe, ruby, well balanced & polished finish is delicious with good length.

Photos of; Venge tasting room building, their Merlot grapes, tasting room and Estate vines.

Jan 29th, 2019
Simon Weston

Lots of blackberry & raspberry on the nose and to taste with a slightly tart finish. Mellow and low tannins. Easy to drink. Very good.

Lots of blackberry & raspberry on the nose and to taste with a slightly tart finish. Mellow and low tannins. Easy to drink. Very good.

Aug 15th, 2020
Mark Howard

Bold, big dark red/blue berry fruit. Soft tannins lift the mid palate spices. Nice structure for mid term aging.

Bold, big dark red/blue berry fruit. Soft tannins lift the mid palate spices. Nice structure for mid term aging.

Jan 4th, 2020
Jason and Jennie

Powerful merlot full of black cherry, vanilla, plum, licorice, minerality.

Powerful merlot full of black cherry, vanilla, plum, licorice, minerality.

Mar 16th, 2019
Scot Walker

Red fruit, fruit forward very smooth, Ready to drink now.

Red fruit, fruit forward very smooth, Ready to drink now.

Nov 16th, 2018
Armando Klein

Quite a bold statement for Merlot. This fine, fine red has the weight and gravity of an incredible Cab. Full of fruit, round and great depth. Lovely and i bet this drinks for 20+...!!

Quite a bold statement for Merlot. This fine, fine red has the weight and gravity of an incredible Cab. Full of fruit, round and great depth. Lovely and i bet this drinks for 20+...!!

Nov 16th, 2018
Adam Hoogeveen

Adam had this 4 years ago

Adam had this 4 years ago

Feb 28th, 2020
Bryan Vogt

Bryan had this 5 years ago

Bryan had this 5 years ago

Mar 28th, 2019