The more limited production, flagship cuvees are bottled under the Venge Family Reserve label. Venge is one of the survivors with Sangiovese as this grape continues to die out, at least in terms of name recognition on wine labels. His excellent 2003 Sangiovese Penny Lane Vineyard (which includes 10% Charbono) is meant to be drunk over the next 3-4 years. It is a classic bistro-styled red boasting loads of berry fruit, hints of strawberries, saddle leather, and cherries, crisp, tart acidity, and fine purity. Shortly before I wrote this report, I had my last bottle of one of Venge’s great Cabernet Sauvignons, the 1978 Villa Mt. Eden (a vineyard now owned by Plumpjack). Still spectacular at 27 years of age, this fabulously complex Cabernet Sauvignon is further proof that few people have as much experience and a resume as impressive as the ebullient Nils Venge.Saddleback Cellars tel. (707) 944-1305; fax (707) 944-1325; Venge Winery tel. (707) 967-1008