Venge Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Oakville Ranch, Saunders Block, Oakville, Napa Valley, California

The family’s viticultural roots flourished in 1976 with the purchase of a 17-acre vineyard in the Oakville District that was planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This fortunate development cast the family among the winemaking pioneers of Napa Valley. Farming and winemaking is in the blood of Owner and Winemaker, Kirk Venge, “When I was growing up, working in the vineyard and winery gave me a wonderful sense of partnership in my family’s way of life; it was hard work, but I loved it.” Sitting at 1,400 feet above the valley floor, this vineyard is positioned among the elite locations found in the eastern mountains within the Oakville AVA. This is a rugged, 370-acre, certified organic estate, situated in rocky, volcanic soils. What is designated as “Saunders Block” was originally the 41-acre Saunders Vineyard, owned by Charlie Saunders, before being purchased by Mary Miner. Full-bodied, tannic, with balanced concentration and an exceptionally long finish, this is a Cabernet collector’s dream.