2011 Venge Cabernet Sauvignon Family Reserve
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Tasting notes
(14.9% alcohol): Bright medium ruby. Cassis, black cherry and cocoa powder on the nose. Concentrated and sweet; seamless, fruit-driven wine with a remarkably velvety texture for the year and no apparent greenness. Perhaps showing a tad less energy and definition than the Bone Ash bottling but this pliant, seamless wine is another big success for the vintage. Finishes very long, with fine-grained, building tannins and sexy oak tones.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A 2011 cab with an outstanding density of fruit in the center palate, featuring berry, bark, shiitake-mushroom and spice character. Full body, velvety finish. Drink or hold.
A finished barrel sample of the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Family Reserve exhibits a dense ruby/plum/purple color in addition to sweet cassis, vanillin and spice notes. This will be a forward, precocious, sexy Family Reserve given the vintage conditions. The structure, massive foundation and power of the great years is not there, but that has been replaced by pure charm, lots of ripe fruit and a sensuous style. Most consumers probably prefer this style to a big blockbuster, and this 2011 should be hugely successful when released. Kirk Venge purchased the brand in 2008 from his father Nils and has been making the wines for Venge Family Reserve ever since. Tel. (707) 942-9100