Alert: The last time that we showcased a Saddleback Cellars Carneros Syrah, we sold out halfway through the day. Today’s wine is in limited supply, so please do not delay.

When we first met Nils Venge of Saddleback Cellars we were immediately struck by his affable personality and warm demeanor. This man, who was America’s first 100 point winemaker, is as approachable and as fun as his wines. We’re thrilled today to show his Saddleback Cellars 2014 Carneros Napa Valley Syrah, a wine that blew our whole tasting panel away.

Very dark in the glass, this brooding Syrah is almost black with garnet around the edge. The nose is very complex with notes of sage, leather, cedar, potpourri, and plums. It offers deep and lush flavors on the palate as well. With rambling notes ranging from white pepper, persimmon, cherry compote, wild black rice, and fresh fig. It sits wonderfully on the palate with restrained tannins that do not overpower, allowing you to enjoy the many nuances being served up. There’s nothing better than a glass of Syrah and medallions of lamb with a demi-glace reduction sauce.

Nils Venge is one of America’s best contemporary winemakers, and we are very proud to have featured nearly 30 of his wonderful wines over nearly a decade of featuring their wines here on Wine Spies. With each successive vintage, Nils’ wines seem to get better and better - and our Operatives get more and more thirsty for his wines.

Saddleback Cellars is located in Napa Valley’s Oakville AVA (American Viticultural Area). The Oakville AVA, centrally located and adjacent to Napa Valley’s famous Rutherford AVA, was established in July 1993. Oakville is considered one of the most diverse AVA’s in the Napa area and grows some of the best Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon in California.