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Saddleback Cellars

When the acclaimed wine critic Robert Parker gave a perfect score of 100 to the Groth Vineyards l985 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, its value went from $35 a bottle to $200, and nobody who knew ever forgot. Nils Venge, the creator of this magical wine, also worked for Villa Mt. Eden and Groth Vineyard, creating the superlative wines for which both wineries were known. Since l983, Venge has been making wines at his own winery, Saddleback Cellars in the Napa Valley, and is presently enthusiastic about pinot blanc because he feels that people need an alternative to chardonnay.

Saddleback Cellars and its vineyards are located on Money Road in Oakville and consist of 17 acres bearing Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot blanc grapes. Saddleback is proud of its diminutive stature and produces less than 4,000 cases a year. Plans for future expansion will only bring the winery's production up to 5,000 cases annually.

After starting his career as a vineyard manager in the Napa Valley in 1970, Nils Venge became the first winemaker at award-winning Villa Mt. Eden in 1973 under the ownership of Jim and Anne McWilliams, a proud and beneficial association which continued until 1982. In that year, Nils agreed to become the inception winemaker for Groth Vineyards and Winery, also in Oakville. Saddleback Cellars was operated concurrently while Nils was employed at Groth, with labor at Saddleback being accomplished after work, on weekends and during vacations. Nils stayed with Groth until January, 1994, and now plies his trade happily at Saddleback full time, 'minding the store' and performing some outside consulting.

As a proven Napa Valley winemaker for over 20 years, Nils Venge is widely recognized for his attention to detail and personal supervision of the winemaking process from vine cultivation to bottling. He is reputed as being one of the best Cabernet Sauvignon makers in the Valley, producing big, opulent wines which have tremendous cellaring potential. He was the first American winemaker to ever receive a score of '100' from Robert Parker, Jr. of The Wine Advocate for the 1985 Groth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Firm, dark, complex and concentrated, with rich black cherry and blackberry flavors that are deep and focused, finishing with a complex aftertaste that folds in hints of cedar and tobacco. Best from 2002 through 2012. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 1,998 cases made. (1998 cases produced) – 94 points, Wine Spectator

Prices are per bottle in HKD.  Volume discount TBD.