A blend of 68% Zinfandel, 17% Charbono, and 15% Petite Sirah is the excellent 2005 Venge Family Reserve Scouts Honor. Briery, gamy, herb, tar, truffle, black cherry, and wild mountain berry fruit are present in this rich, medium to full-bodied effort. It is best drunk over the next 3-4 years. The two Venges, father Nils and son Kirk, look like two Vikings who somehow ended up in Napa Valley, with Nils taking the cowboy route and Kirk following a more conservative path. They own over twenty acres of estate vineyards, six of which are dedicated to the Venge Family Reserve operation in Oakville, and the balance to the Saddleback label. They supplement their estate production with some purchased fruit that forms the backbone of their white wine program, all light, non-malolactic whites that are meant to be drunk during their first several years of life.Tel. (707) 944-1305; Fax (707) 944-1325; Venge Winery tel. (707) 967-1008

Zesty yet supple, with plum and roasted sage aromas and lively black cherry, tobacco and brush flavors that finish with firm tannins. Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Charbono. Drink now through 2012. 1,328 cases made. -TF

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. ——S.H.(11/15/2008)—— 87