2013 Viader Red

The Viader Vineyards 2013 Proprietary Red Blend is their main cuvée of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Cabernet Franc, of which 1,350 cases were produced. This is the star of the trio, with a dense ruby/purple color, nice notes of graphite, damp earth, forest floor, blue and black fruits and some vanilla. There is plenty of tannin in the wine, the style clearly meant to be a more austere and angular. This wine was aged 22 months in French oak and needs a good 4-5 years of cellaring. It should last for at least 20 or more years.

Viader's 2013 Red Wine is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Cabernet Franc from the lower slopes of Howell Mountain. A rush of dark red stone fruit, mocha, espresso, dried flowers and cedar races across the palate. Fleshy and pliant, but also backed by considerable structure, the 2013 is going to need time to fully come together. Expressive aromatic top notes from the Franc reappear on the finish. This is a typical 2013 built on power, intensity and substance. The new oak needs time to fully integrate, so readers will have to be patient.