Winemaker Notes
The distinctive Viader Proprietary Blend shows the typicity and consistency of the Viader estate, with its firm structure influenced by the rocky volcanic soils of the eastern slopes of Howell Mountain, and its elegant, yet intensely rich profile achieved through the winery's signature combination of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
In this iconic blend, Cabernet Sauvignon provides the backbone, structure, character and aging potential with succulent fruit and rich tannins, while Cabernet Franc instills a mellowed complementary balance and early approachability to the wine with beautiful aromatics, silky texture and an elegant finesse.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Beautifully proportioned, rich and complex, with ripe, concentrated plum, currant, black cherry, mocha, toasty oak and spice nuances. Turns smooth and silky on a long, elegant finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The terrific 1997 Proprietary Red is the finest Viader I have tasted. It is a wine of exceptional finesse and elegance, yet undeniable richness and intensity. This blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon and 41% Cabernet Franc tastes like a top Graves from Bordeaux. Subtle spicy oak emerges from this dark ruby/purple-colored wine, along with scents of black currants, minerals, and lead pencil. In the mouth, earthy, terroir characteristics combine with sweet black fruits in this medium-bodied, rich wine. There is a juicy mid-palate as well as considerable grace and harmony in the finish. The tannin is largely obscured by the wine's outstanding concentration.
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.