The 2009 Chardonnay offers up attractive nectarine, mango, and orange blossom notes. Medium-bodied, crisp, and with no real evidence of oak, it should drink nicely for 1-2 years as well. Long-time veteran winemaker Nils Venge continues to turn out an enticing group of essentially unoaked or minimally oaked white wines from Saddleback that emphasize their varietal character. They are delicious to drink from the get-go and are very food-friendly. Moreover, they offer considerable value.Tel. (707) 944-1305; Fax (707) 944-1325

A classic Ric Forman/non-malolactic Chardonnay, the 2008 exhibits abundant aromas of white peaches, apricots, and orange blossoms as well as a crisp, medium-bodied style. It should drink nicely for several years. It is also a reasonably good value for a Chardonnay from Napa Valley. Part of the Nils Venge wine empire, this trio is part of the less expensive, more widely available offerings (the Venge Family Reserve offerings are reviewed elsewhere in this report).Tel. (707) 944-1305; Fax (707) 944-1325

Ordinary and one-dimensional. The grapes got superripe under the California sun, offering big flavors of pineapples and peaches, liberally accented with oak. But there’s not much going on below the surface. ——S.H.(7/1/2010)—— 84

The 2007 Chardonnay is made in a more Chablis-like style, but admirably conceals its 40% new French oak upbringing. Medium-bodied and crisp, with hints of lemon blossom and earth, this zesty Chardonnay should be drunk over the next 2-3 years. This is a two-tiered operation with the Saddleback Cellars wines generally made from blends of estate fruit from their 20 acres in Oakville as well as purchased lots. The Venge Family Reserve cuvees are made from nearly all estate grown fruit with small amounts of purchased fruit utilized as well. The Venge Family Reserve wines tend to be the more esteemed, and consequently, are higher priced. This is a fun estate to visit as there is no shortage of personality from the father and son team of Nils and Kirk Venge. The flagship offerings appear under the Venge Family Reserve label. Some enticing wines are produced, largely from estate vineyards in Oakville, but occasionally supplemented by purchased fruit.Tel. (707) 944-1305; Fax (707) 944-1325; Venge Family Reserve: Tel. (707) 942-9100; Fax (707) 942-9121