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Welcome to Cougar's Leap!
Nestled in the Red Hills of Lake County, California, at an elevation of 2,300 feet is Black Rock Ranch, home to Cougar's Leap Winery. The ranch is named after the large deposits of shiny obsidian rock exposed throughout the volcanic soils. The winery is named for the wild cougars that roam the hills to this day ~ Follow the tracks, Take the Leap & Enjoy!
The planting of the vineyard began in 1995. At that time there were only a few other growers in the Red Hills Region. The volcanic soils in this area are suitable for red varietals, so the choice was made to plant Petite Sirah and Zinfandel. Our head-pruned vines yield a hearty grape. We hope you enjoy this limited production of wine. Cheers!
Owner and Winemaker Nils Venge also owns Saddleback Cellars and co-owns Envy Wines in the Napa Valley.
2016 Dan Berger's International Wine Competition
2011 Black Rock Petite Sirah - Silver Medal
2012 Black Rock Zinfandel - Silver Medal
2016 OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition
2013 Black Rock Cougar's Cuvee - Proprietary Red - Silver Medal
2011 Black Rock Zinfandel - Gold Medal
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2014 American Fine Wine Competition
2009 Black Rock Zinfandel - Gold Medal
2009 Black Rock Petite Sirah - Silver Medal
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Orange County Fair 2014 Medals:
2010 Black Rock Wild Cat Red - Bronze Medal
2012 Black Rock Cougars Cuvee - Bronze Medal
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2014 Lake County Wine Awards
2010 Black Rock Wild Cat Red - Silver Medal
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Orange County Fair 2013 Medals:
2009 Black Rock Petite Sirah - Gold Medal
2009 Black Rock Zinfandel - Bronze Medal
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2013 Lake County Wine Awards:
2009 Black Rock Wild Cat Red - Best of Class
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Orange County Fair 2012 Medals:
2010 Black Rock Cougar's Cuvee - Silver Medal
2008 Black Rock Petite Sirah - Silver Medal
2008 Black Rock Zinfandel - Bronze Medal