Venge Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Family Reserve Oakville Napa Valley 2019

Add 2 bottles to the cart and receive an additional 45% off!

Venge calls their Family Reserve Cabernet “the pinnacle in quality Cabernet Sauvignon production from our Oakville Estate,” and one sip in, it becomes a hard point to argue against. This is quintessential Oakville, from one of Napa’s top winemakers, in a truly remarkable vintage. To have it for under $99 when you order 2 or more? What a treat!

With a Jeb Dunnuck 95 score, this is a heavy hitter in Oakville’s saturated big Cabernet category – at a price that is simply remarkable! Kirk Venge is the owner and winemaker of Venge Vineyards, an accomplished winemaker in his own right, who also happens to be the son of Napa legend, Nils Venge.

This fruit hails mostly from their estate vineyard in Oakville – a 17-acre parcel that has been in the family since 1976 – plus a couple of choice lots from other prime Oakville sites. Only the very best Cabernet Sauvignon makes it into this small production, top cuvee – mostly sold direct at the winery and to their club members. Always strictly allocated, this Family Reserve is a treat to taste now, and better still in the years to come.

Rich and boisterous blackberries and black currants come to the forefront, followed by a smattering of spice and herb sensations – anise seed, sage, clove, black pepper, and fresh pipe tobacco. A buttery smooth and inky espresso note carries the mid-palate, leading into a long, fresh, and concentrated finish that showcases Oakville’s signature mineral and fresh-turned earth. The tannins are imposing, yet velvety, and the oak is present but nicely integrated. Simply a classy, impressive effort from Venge – and one we are quite sure will only get better over the next few years!

PAIRING IDEAS: I opted for a bottle of this and an easy, classic preparation of Steak Tagliata – I went for a nicely marbled Akaushi hanger steak, marinated in herbs and olive oil, quickly seared, rested, and sliced. Served over a bit of polenta, with an arugula salad and some shaved parmesan...this is a favorite go-to meal that made this wine shine!