Venge Vineyards "Scout's Honor" Napa/Sonoma Proprietary Red 2021

Vin Chicago: 93 Points

(12/2023) The dark and delicious 2021 Scout’s Honor is an assemblage of 76% Zinfandel, 14% Charbono, 8% Petite Sirah and 2% Syrah. Pouring a totally opaque, nearly black, glass-staining deep purple color, this wine excites visually. On the nose, we were fired up by the jammy black fruits, crimson plum, blueberry compote, lilac, vanilla bean, peppery spice, coffee bean and cocoa. The wine hardly shows its 15.5% ABV, though it coats the entire palate and lasts very long, finishing with surprising lift and freshness. Soft tannins mean serious and casual wine drinkers will enjoy this voluptuous red. This is good to go now and over the next 3 to 7 years.