The dark ruby-hued 2004 Venge Family Reserve Scouts Honor, a blend of 68% Zinfandel and the rest Petite Sirah and Charbono, reveals a Cotes du Rhone-like, garrigue, peppery, spicy bouquet, zesty acidity, plenty of soul, and loads of berry fruit as well as spice characteristics. It should be consumed over the next 3-4 years. Previously recommended: 2002 Venge Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (97), 2003 Venge Family Reserve Merlot (90).Saddleback Cellars tel. (707) 944-1305; fax (707) 944-1325; Venge Winery tel. (707) 967-1008

The more limited production, flagship cuvees are bottled under the Venge Family Reserve label. The 2003 Scouts’ Honor Proprietary Red (an 800-case blend of 73% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, and 13% Charbono) boasts a deep ruby/purple color as well as a big, projected, exuberant, flamboyant nose of briery fruit intermixed with spice box, high quality cigar tobacco, pepper, and earthy underbrush. This big, round, juicy, savory, complex red is already delicious, so enjoy it over the next 3-5 years. Shortly before I wrote this report, I had my last bottle of one of Venge’s great Cabernet Sauvignons, the 1978 Villa Mt. Eden (a vineyard now owned by Plumpjack). Still spectacular at 27 years of age, this fabulously complex Cabernet Sauvignon is further proof that few people have as much experience and a resume as impressive as the ebullient Nils Venge.Saddleback Cellars tel. (707) 944-1305; fax (707) 944-1325; Venge Winery tel. (707) 967-1008

The 2002 Scouts Honor (a blend of 70% Zinfandel, 15% Sangiovese, and 15% Charbono) was appealing, a yummy wine with loads of red and black fruits, a hint of chocolate, dusty earth, and pepper in a spicy, fragrant, medium to full-bodied, fleshy style with no hard edges. A tasty wine that merits considerable attention, it should drink well for 5-6 years. Saddleback Cellars: tel. (707) 944-1305; fax (707) 944-1325; Venge Winery: tel. (707) 967-1008