Saddleback Cellars “Rancher Red”

If you are interested in delicious red blends, you must try Rancher Red from Saddleback Cellars. Napa Valley’s Saddleback is run by a true wine legend, Nils Venge. This boutique winery occupies 14 acres in the Oakville AVA–home to some of the world’s best wines, like Screaming Eagle, Silver Oak, Groth and Opus One. Before Saddleback, Nils worked for other notable wineries, including Charles Krug, Sterling, Villa Mount Eden and Groth. In fact, Nils became the first American winemaker to receive a perfect 100 point rating from wine critic Robert Parker Jr. for the 1985 Groth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. He has rightfully earned the nickname “King of Cab”! (He also loves his dog Chloe, for whom he has named a wine and showcases on Saddleback’s website. See here for her very own page: http://www.saddlebackcellars.com/Visit/Chloes-Page)

We were so fortunate to meet Nils at The Wine Next Door (TWND). We tasted a number of his wines and talked about others that he enjoys. We suggest Rancher Red and the Albarino, a light to medium bodied white varietal.

The 2013 Rancher Red is 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Sirah, and 3% Syrah. This is a unique combination, and the blend changes each year. For 2013, Saddelback produced only 316 cases! The wine pours deep purple and has amazing wild cherry aromas. The 2013 is fruit forward, rich and bold, and earthy. There are mild tannins on the finish, which is characteristic of other Cabernets in Oakville. This wine stands on its own, but would also be perfect to enjoy with a meal.

The blending of 10% Petit Sirah brings distinctive flavors to Rancher Red. Petit Sirah (not to be confused with Syrah) produces inky dark, purple colored wines that offer flavors of black pepper, blackberries, blueberries, spice and licorice. We love Petit Sirahs at TWND!

Definitely a quality Napa wine that will not disappoint.

Delicious! Saddleback Cellars Vineyard