Winelog #8 Saddleback Cellars

Saddleback Cellars:                                                                      

Next door to Groth Cellars, Oakville, CA. 94562

year established 1982

               14.8 acres planted 

a few thousand cases per year

6 varietals

tasting fee $20 for 6 wines

refunded for purchase of a case

free ground shipping with purchase of case

other discounts apply

This place is incredibly fun and relaxed. This is the vineyard owned by Nils Venge, the man who made Groth's famous 1985 Cab. I would love to bring some people here. The wines are all excellent at very good price points, ranging from a $25 Clarksburg Viognier to a $56 Napa Cab! Bob is a great guy who showed some remarkable resilience in putting up with me so late in the day. Here we are in front of a 25th anniversary poster signed by everybody at the winery. I would join this wine club in a heartbeat and may yet still do it.

It was late in the day, I didn't take notes, and it is late now at night, I'm not copying them. But I bought a 2006 25th Anniversary Barrel Selection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with a picture of little Nils as a cowboy!?!? Darren, you are going to love this!! (I'm sure much more than you will love the Botritus Sauvignon Blanc. 

Detail of Nils Venge as Child Cowboy

Stay tuned for the next installment, Coombsville; Palmaz, Jarvis, Cuvaison and stuff.