Venge scouts honor proprietary red 2022

2019 Vintage Tasted: Oct 2021

Offered at a great price, this blends 63% Zinfandel with smaller amounts of Charbono, Petite Sirah and Syrah. A mix of bramble berry and lifted acidity blends with plenty of gamy black pepper, toasted oak and baking spice to round out the picture. Virginie Boone

2018 Vintage Tasted: Aug 2020

This is a lively proprietary red wine made from 63% Zinfandel, 16% Charbono, 12% Petite Sirah and 9% Syrah. From many old-vine sites, it explodes in juicy plum, jammy blackberry and cherry, all wrapped in soft tannins. The oak adds a generous and rich vanilla tone. Virginie Boone

2016 Vintage Tasted: Aug 2018

Winemaker Kirk Venge combines 70% Zinfandel with 14% Charbono, 9% Petite Sirah and 7% Syrah to great effect, offering a jammy expression of blackberry, brown sugar and vanilla. Soft integrated oak supports the rounded rich fruit and gives it an impressive framework of structure and likability. Virginie Boone

2014 Vintage Tasted: Jan 2016

This is barbecue wine at its best combiningZinfandel withCharbonoPetite Sirah andSyrah into an opaque, thick experience dotted in a taste of maple syrup, vanilla, bacon and toast, almost teasing into a breakfast companion. Round and smooth, the tannins are firm and sweet without ever becoming cloying.

2012 Vintage Tasted: Jan 2014

In this big proprietary blend, winemaker Kirk Venge pitsZinfandel andPetite Sirah againstCharbono, a rare find in the Napa Valley, andSyrah. The results are complex in deep cherry and milk chocolate, with plenty of grip and drinkable tannins, the finish soft and rich. This wine delivers a great value for the quality.

2008 Vintage Tasted: Jan 2010

Made in a fruit-forward way, with jammy blackberry, cherry and currant flavors that finish in a swirl of chocolate and spices. It's a heartily tannic wine for drinking now. Good with slow-cooked meat stews and barbecue. Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Charbono and Syrah.

2007 Vintage Tasted: Jan 2009

Fruity and forward in blackberries, cherries and mocha, with hints of smoked meat, charred bone, anise and sandalwood. Very easy to drink, if a little soft and sweet. Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Charbono and Syrah. Ready now.

2006 Vintage Tasted: Jan 2009

This blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Charbono and Syrah is rustic and sturdy. It shows oaky flavors of blackberries, tobacco, mocha and spice, and finishes a bit soft and sweet. Good with a rich, slow food dish like braised short ribs.

2005 Vintage Tasted: Jan 2008

This blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Charbono is similar to wines made from those field-blended vineyards where several grape varieties are inter-planted. The wine is dry and robust, with intensely fruity, spicy flavors and firm tannins. Best now for its sheer exuberance.

2000 Vintage

Rich, plush aromas of dark plum and blackberry lead the way in this wine made mostly from old-vine Zinfandel and named after winemaker Nils Venge's old dog, Scout. Full-bodied and brash, with smoky toast and jammy fruit (sounds like breakfast, right?) the wine has enough acidity to give it good balance.

2012 Vintage Tasted: Jun 2014

2005 Vintage Tasted: Oct 2008

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