Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Coming from a site on Howell Mountain and comprised of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Cabernet Franc, the 2014 Viader Proprietary Red Blend is a perfumed, complex, elegant and Bordeaux-styled red that shows the charming nature of the vintage. Red and black currants, dried flowers, potpourri and underbrush nuances all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, silky, polished wine that has moderate tannin, good acidity, and a beautiful finish. It doesn't wow you with its richness and power, but it's graceful and elegant. While already accessible, it is going to cruise in the cellar given its balance and purity.
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James Suckling
Fascinating aromas of plums, citrus fruit and peaches turn to forest-floor fruits. Full body, round and juicy tannins and a chewy finish. Lovely length and tension to this. Drink in 2018.
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Wine Enthusiast
The producer packs a powerful punch into this blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Cabernet Franc, aged two years in 70% new French oak. Big, hearty tannins wrap around curls of smoked meat, clove, sage and black pepper, finding common purpose in layered complexity. It should be best between 2022 and 2026.
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.