An outstanding effort is the 2004 Venge Family Reserve Sangiovese Penny Lane Vineyard (along with Shafer’s Firebreak, one of the finest California Sangioveses made). To create this wine, the Sangiovese fruit is passed over the Charbono skins in an Amarone-like manner. The result is a wine exhibiting loads of black cherry, roasted nut, spice box, and forest floor characteristics. With excellent ripeness, medium body, tangy acidity, and loads of heady richness, it is best consumed over the next 2-3 years to take advantage of its exuberant youthfulness. Previously recommended: 2002 Venge Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (97), 2003 Venge Family Reserve Merlot (90).Saddleback Cellars tel. (707) 944-1305; fax (707) 944-1325; Venge Winery tel. (707) 967-1008