Viader
Napa Valley Proprietary Red Blend
Napa Valley, California, USA
Jammy notes and on the palette it was balanced with acidity. Beautiful.
Jammy notes and on the palette it was balanced with acidity. Beautiful.
Aug 27th, 2017
00 in 19. Tasting perfect. Pencil lead, currants and forest.
00 in 19. Tasting perfect. Pencil lead, currants and forest.
2 people found it helpfulDec 11th, 2019
This was a rescue mission. A friend of mine who isn’t a wine professional, or even much of a hobbiest, was hosting a small gathering and we needed another bottle of wine. She mentioned that she had some bottles downstairs that she had holed away; gifts from clients and such. There were about two dozen bottles in a small wine rack in her basement; some recent Opus and some other random bottles. As I looked through, I noticed a lone bottle of Viader and as I spun the bottle over, I nearly laughed when I saw the 1996 vintage. I asked if she had any sentimental attachment to the bottle; she had none. We were drinking this bottle.
The label was clearly stained and was, apparently, received that way. She had won the bottle at a charity auction, donated by a known local collector. The cork, which seemed it otherwise fabulous condition, came out in two distinct pieces but I fault myself and the corkscrew for that.
The 1996 Viader Proprietary Red now pours a dark garnet with slightly browning edges and a good amount of fine sediment. However, this is not only very much alive, it was sharing possibly one of its grandest moments of life! The bouquet is absolutely beautiful...beguiling; commanding attention the moment the cork is extracted. Unleashing powerful aromas of homemade mixed berry preserves, baking spices, sweet pipe tobacco and old leather. It actually gained intensity in the glass and I just wanted to smell it for the rest of the night. On the palate, the fruit was on full display and yet, the secondary flavors of spices and earth are in perfect balance. As are the tannins which, while still apparent, are neatly integrated to deliver maximum satisfaction. The texture, impeccable. The finish, everlasting. She is a wine at full peak and she knows it. A wine of confidence and grace. Amongst the nerds and plebes, this wonderful ‘96 Viader was the unanimous WOTN. Drink it now while it’s still sexy as hell.
This was a rescue mission. A friend of mine who isn’t a wine professional, or even much of a hobbiest, was hosting a small gathering and we needed another bottle of wine. She mentioned that she had some bottles downstairs that she had holed away; gifts from clients and such. There were about two dozen bottles in a small wine rack in her basement; some recent Opus and some other random bottles. As I looked through, I noticed a lone bottle of Viader and as I spun the bottle over, I nearly laughed when I saw the 1996 vintage. I asked if she had any sentimental attachment to the bottle; she had none. We were drinking this bottle.
The label was clearly stained and was, apparently, received that way. She had won the bottle at a charity auction, donated by a known local collector. The cork, which seemed it otherwise fabulous condition, came out in two distinct pieces but I fault myself and the corkscrew for that.
The 1996 Viader Proprietary Red now pours a dark garnet with slightly browning edges and a good amount of fine sediment. However, this is not only very much alive, it was sharing possibly one of its grandest moments of life! The bouquet is absolutely beautiful...beguiling; commanding attention the moment the cork is extracted. Unleashing powerful aromas of homemade mixed berry preserves, baking spices, sweet pipe tobacco and old leather. It actually gained intensity in the glass and I just wanted to smell it for the rest of the night. On the palate, the fruit was on full display and yet, the secondary flavors of spices and earth are in perfect balance. As are the tannins which, while still apparent, are neatly integrated to deliver maximum satisfaction. The texture, impeccable. The finish, everlasting. She is a wine at full peak and she knows it. A wine of confidence and grace. Amongst the nerds and plebes, this wonderful ‘96 Viader was the unanimous WOTN. Drink it now while it’s still sexy as hell.
Similar to the 00, but slightly more red fruit, slightly less harmonious, a little more muted. -but still fantastic!!! Briar and cedar.
Similar to the 00, but slightly more red fruit, slightly less harmonious, a little more muted. -but still fantastic!!! Briar and cedar.
1 person found it helpfulDec 11th, 2019
77% CS and 28% CF - it was opened and. Should been decanted - it was tight but after it got in the glass it opened up nicely - this has 10-20 years left - inky and bold and full of deep rich black fruits
77% CS and 28% CF - it was opened and. Should been decanted - it was tight but after it got in the glass it opened up nicely - this has 10-20 years left - inky and bold and full of deep rich black fruits
1 person found it helpfulJul 1st, 2019
Magnum; well rounded, beautiful nose, with hints of dark chocolate, tobacco, and leather.
Magnum; well rounded, beautiful nose, with hints of dark chocolate, tobacco, and leather.
1 person found it helpfulDec 25th, 2018
Hints of Vanilla wrapped in Cherry and chocolate. Smooth Velvet texture.
Hints of Vanilla wrapped in Cherry and chocolate. Smooth Velvet texture.
1 person found it helpfulJan 19th, 2017Decanted for 2 hours, and it opened beautifully, Cabernet Sauvignon 55%, Cabernet Franc45%, earthy, minerals, leather, big and bold, this will continue to age over the next couple of years.
Decanted for 2 hours, and it opened beautifully, Cabernet Sauvignon 55%, Cabernet Franc45%, earthy, minerals, leather, big and bold, this will continue to age over the next couple of years.
1 person found it helpfulMay 27th, 2016
2002 out of magnum. Wine of the night. Wouldn't have guessed it was 13 years old.
2002 out of magnum. Wine of the night. Wouldn't have guessed it was 13 years old.
1 person found it helpfulJun 5th, 2015