2019 Saddleback Cellars Barrel Select Tannat

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.

Russian River Valley AVA is named for the river that meanders from Mendocino County in the north until it finally runs into the Pacific Ocean north of San Francisco. The AVA is cool thanks to its proximity to the northern California coast and the river, and grape growers must learn to deal with regular fog. Nevertheless in recent decades the AVA has become one of the best in the state, meaning that its wines often earn excellent reviews and have considerable cachet. The AVA status was awarded in 1983 and today the appellation has 15,000 vineyard acres. Chardonnay is the most widely planted grape though Pinot Noir has also been very successful in recent decades. Russian River Valley Pinot Noir are known for being rich, lush and filled with concentrated fruit and berry flavors. Russian River Pinot Noirs are today considered some of the best domestic Pinot Noirs.