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Venge Vineyards Merlot Hudson Vineyard Los Carneros Napa Valley 2022
Venge Vineyards Merlot Hudson Vineyard Los Carneros Napa Valley 2022

Reviews

91 - Jeb Dunnuck -

Technical Details

  • Winemaker Kirk Venge
  • Country US
  • Region California
  • Sub Region North Coast
  • Appellation Napa Valley
  • Vineyard Hudson Vineyard
  • Alcohol 14.5%

Venge Vineyards Merlot Hudson Vineyard Los Carneros Napa Valley 2022

Merlot | California

JD91

Multi-Bottle Discount

$75.00

$49.95

750ML

33% OFF RETAIL!

Add 3 bottles to the cart and receive an additional 43% off!

Venge Vineyards is legendary here in Napa Valley, and this 2022 Hudson Vineyard Merlot from Carneros is among their best ever! Jeb Dunnuck called it “a juicy, elegant Merlot” with “satisfying depth and texture”

The Venge family has been in the wine industry for generations, ever since they emigrated from Denmark in the early 1900s. They were already early Napa pioneers when they acquired their first estate in Oakville back in 1976, and today, with two additional estate vineyards here in the Napa Valley, they have continued to make their mark as one of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon houses anywhere.

Napa legend Lee Hudson owns the vineyard where this fruit is grown, who has called this land “agricultural Yosemite”. He purchased the 2,000-acre ranch in eastern Carneros – which only had a few stretches suitable for wine growing – in 1981, when Carneros was barely on the wine map. Over the coming years, Lee was able to tame the land and harness its power for incredible grape growth, catching the attention of notable producers like Frog’s Leap, Aubert, Arietta, and Saintsbury, who eagerly purchased some of his fruit.

This 2022 is absolutely in its prime, and capable of easily aging another 5 to 10-plus years, aged for 18 months in 65% new French oak to bring a generous depth and texture to the rich and mature fruit characters. With lush aromas of dried lavender, juicy blackberries, and dark roast coffee, the intense and powerful palate brings more dark berries alongside gravel, earthy mushrooms, and dried herbs. The winery calls this “a Cabernet lover’s Merlot,” and we must agree! Prominent yet smooth tannins, a lifted acidity, and a lingering finish make this simply astounding, especially considering our great price. 91 points from Jeb Dunnuck cements its loveliness – we highly recommend getting at least 3 bottles for the best pricing and happiest cellar!

PAIRING IDEAS: This Merlot’s juicy richness calls for a grilled whole spatchcock chicken – so easy, yet so impressive and delicious! Pair with some grilled summer veggies of zucchini, yellow squash, and button mushrooms.

About The Producer

For nearly half a century, the Venge family has cultivated vitis vinifera in Napa Valley, a journey that began when Knud Venge immigrated from Denmark to the United States in the early 1900s. His son, Per Venge, ventured into the wine and spirits industry, starting Vencom Imports, focusing on fine wines and spirits from Western Europe. In the 1960s, Per's son, Nils Venge, pursued viticulture at UC Davis, laying the foundation for the family's winemaking legacy. In 1976, the family's viticultural journey blossomed with the acquisition of a 17-acre Oakville District vineyard, planting Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, positioning them as Napa Valley pioneers. Nils' and Dianna Venge's son, Kirk Venge, displayed early winemaking talent. In 2008, he fulfilled his lifelong dream by taking full ownership of Venge Vineyards, continuing the family's Napa Valley heritage with a focus on exceptional vineyard sites worthy of the Venge name.