2022 Saddleback Zinfandel Calistoga Napa Valley

2022 Saddleback Zinfandel Calistoga Napa Valley

with No Comment $40-$50CalistogaKevin VogtNapaUSAZinfandel

Saddleback

Zinfandel 2022
Calistoga, Napa Valley

2022 Saddleback Zinfandel Calistoga Napa Valley

Calistoga Zinfandel takes on a deeper, more resonant voice in the 2022 Saddleback Cellars offering, where old vines translate warmth and intensity into depth and composure. The fruit arrives with presence, carried by a steady sense of control that shapes power into structure, revealing a wine defined by precision, balance, and composed authority.

The foundation lies in carefully selected old-vine sites in Calistoga, where smaller yields concentrate flavor while preserving energy. These mature vines bring layered depth, capturing both the warmth of the valley floor and the lift that defines the region at its best. This interplay gives the wine its sense of movement, where richness and freshness exist in seamless alignment.

What emerges is a Zinfandel of striking precision, its structure holding firm from the first impression through a long, composed finish. That control reflects the influence of Nils Venge, who has spent decades shaping wines that balance power with poise. That legacy comes through in every detail in this release, directing intensity into a form that feels both enduring and complete.

Saddleback
Zinfandel 2022
Calistoga, Napa Valley
Retails at: $56

Your Price: $40

Click Here to Join Our (Free) Insider’s Club & Unlock Special Offers

Click to Order

 

“Plump and brooding, with deep and ripe blackberry, cassis, licorice and toasty spice flavors that finish with briary tannins. Drink now through 2032. 782 cases made.”

92 Points

2018 Saddleback Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

2018 Saddleback Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

with No Comment $50-$60Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSA

SADDLEBACK

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
OAKVILLE 2018

2018 Saddleback Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville
Nils Venge was the first American winemaker to earn a 100-point score in 1985 with the Groth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, establishing a pedestal of quality winemaking that few others have achieved. He established Saddleback Cellars in the late 1970s from vineyards situated on 14 acres behind Opus One, where the soils and climate combine to produce grapes of regal qualities.
 
The estate hasn’t changed much since Nils first began growing grapes, and that’s just the way nature intended it to be. Napa’s 2018 vintage delivered pristine conditions for producing superior wines that make a powerful statement and earning an overall vintage rating of 99 Points from The Wine Spectator, matched only by Napa Valley’s 1997 vintage.
 
SADDLEBACK
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
OAKVILLE 2018
Retails at: $78
 
 
 
“The 2018 Saddleback Cellars Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon opens with sultry notes of violets, cassis, black cherry, black plum, cardamom, and petrichor. On the palate, the wine’s rich, penetrating core expresses flavors of blackberry tart and chocolate gelato with a delightfully balancing acidity and long finish. This wine is incredible right now and has a solid structure for aging, rendering years of pleasure-filled drinking experiences.”
94 Points
2016 Saddleback Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

2016 Saddleback Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

with No Comment $50-$60Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSA

SADDLEBACK

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 OAKVILLE 

2016 Saddleback Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville
Saddleback Cellars is where premium Oakville fruit and a half-century of winemaking experience join forces to create deeply profound Cabernet Sauvignon that ranks among one of Oakville’s best values. The winery’s 14-acre vineyard is in a sweet-spot behind OPUS ONE, where the soils and climate combine to produce grapes of regal qualities. Nils Venge crafts the wine, and Nils was the first American winemaker to earn a perfect 100 point score from Robert Parker when he made the 1985 Groth Reserve Cab.
 
Saddleback’s vineyard is near Oakville’s center on Money Road with notable neighbors Plumpjack, Groth, and Silver Oak. The 2016 release showcases the vintage’s intense fruit and powerful style that offers layer after layer of dense black fruits, exotic chocolates, leather, and cassis. 
 
Nils ages his Cabernet for around 24 months in oak barrels, contributing structure and adding additional complexity layers. The 2016 vintage benefited from a further two years in the bottle, and it’s delicious right now will continue to perform for the next decade.
 
SADDLEBACK
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 OAKVILLE
Retails at: $78
 
 
 
“This has the well-defined fruit and racy graphite edge that typifies the vintage, with a core of steeped black currant and plum fruit and extra mesquite, sassafras and warm earth nuances throughout. The richness makes this tempting now, but no rush. Drink now through 2030.”
92 Points
 
“This substantial 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is a truly stunning! On the nose, complimentary oak, with pleasing aromas of black cherry, blackberry, graphite and light anise. One the palate, it approaches with a balanced, full bodied mouthfeel. It engages the palete with bold tannins and balances gracefully with blackberry compote, black cherry, leather and a hint of anise. A flavorful finish is generous with lingering notes of black pepper. Perfectly paired with your favorite cut of beef or tomato based pasta dish. Another amazing vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon from the ‘King of Cabs’!”
2015 Saddleback Cellars Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

2013 Saddleback Cellars Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSA

SADDLEBACK2015 Saddleback Cellars Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 OAKVILLE

Nils Venge has always been known as a bit of a cowboy in the wine industry, making wine his own special way, and taking risks that have undoubtedly paid off.  You’re about as likely to find him on a tractor in the vineyard, than just about anywhere else.  Early on, he set the bar as the first American winemaker to earn a perfect 100 Point score from Robert Parker with the 1985 Groth Reserve Cab, and three decades later he’s still blazing the trails, producing bold and unapologetically expressive wines. The winery is located behind Opus One and a stones throw from Silver Oak’s Napa property.  At $75/btl this Oakville Cab will make even the most gristled cowboy grin.
 
Crafted in a deep, showy style, offering layer after layer of dense black fruits, exotic chocolates, white flowers and hints of graphite.  Our panel was shocked by how well the 2013 was showing and we bought all we could…  Kept for 24 months in oak barrels this beauty has had nearly 2 1/2 years of bottle development and it’s gorgeous right now.  I highly recommend adding some of this to your cellar.  
 
SADDLEBACK
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 OAKVILLE
Retails at:  $75/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “On the nose, a healthy dose of ripe red berries. On the palate, it approaches as a denser, full wine; its bold structure is evident. Robust black currant, anise and coriander are balanced by notes of blood-orange zest and violets. Throughout, a graphite minerality adds to its layered complexity. The flavorful finish leaves lingering notes of vanilla balanced by delicate tannins… Drinking well through 2023.“