Today I had the rare opportunity to visit a vineyard called Saddleback Cellars. Although it's been in operation for some 30 years I have never tried its wines... until today.
I have to say that a greater opportunity was meeting the man who makes one of the most delightful wines in Napa: Nils Venge. I knew this because I was told that he was behind wines of the stature of Groth and Plum Jack. After tasting the wines from Saddleback Cellars, I have to conclude that behind wines such as Pinot Blanc (crisp), Viognier (elegant), Chardonnay (powerful), Merlot (round), Zinfandel (classic), Cabernet Sauvignon (complex) and a wonderful blend, (Nils 2006) in its 25th anniversary (old world styled) there had to be somebody with the vision and the experience of this man.
In the last minute I was served a Petite Sirah, an immensely deep red with rich flavors and tannins. The tears on this wine would create the sensation as if looking through a kaleidoscope.
Saddleback Cellars delightful wines needed a man like Nils to be what they are. What a treat to our palates!!!
