1998 Saddleback Cellars Viognier

Saddleback Cellars in Oakville is owned and operated by Napa Valley winemaker Nils Venge, considered one of the best winemakers in the region. Venge and his father-in-law bought the 15-acre property in 1976 but they didn’t produce their first Saddleback Cellars label wine until 1983, when they released their 1982 Cabernet Sauvignon. Venge was busy during those years as winemaker or vineyard manager for Charles Krug, Sterling Vineyards, Villa Mount Eden and Groth, where his 1985 Groth Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve earned 100 pts from Robert M. Parker Jr. It was the first time Parker had awarded a California wine with a perfect score. Saddleback focuses on Cabernet Sauvignon, but also produces Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Sangiovese and blends. It also produces Zinfandel and a portfolio of white wines.

This is a full-bodied white variety has plenty of natural aromatics such as peach and violets. It’s a low yielding fruit, so it is grown for its taste over its economics. Viognier is considered an ancient grape and an early favorite of the Roman emperors.