2002 Viader Proprietary Red
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Tasting notes
51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 49% Cabernet Franc on Howell Mountain. Mid crimson with quite a bit of sediment. Very fresh and mellow with a hint of some Indian spice. Fully evolved with a little Franc fragrance. Impressive length and balance. Very smart indeed. A really light touch but no shortage of flavour and class. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 49% Cabernet Franc. Tasted just after super-aromatic Figeac 2002, this seems very non-smelly. And of course much sweeter than the red bordeaux. Nicely balanced and well melded. Within a Napa Valley context it's relatively elegant but it seems much more youthful and embryonic – certainly more concentrated – than the Figeac. (JR)
This intriguing blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Cabernet Franc from the lower slopes of Howell Mountain is somewhat superficial. It exhibits attractive berry fruit, damp earth and subtle herb characteristics, but the wine has a tartness as well as a lean, slightly clipped finish. It will undoubtedly become desiccated as the meager fruit dries out, so drink it up. Tel. (707) 963-3816; Fax (707) 963-3817
(a 51/49 blend of cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc) Good bright ruby-red. Black raspberry, currant and dark chocolate aromas lifted by a floral topnote. Fat and full but quite dry, with currant and blueberry flavors. Finishes with firm, dusty, palate-coating tannins. This is a bit youthfully muscular today; in comparison, the unfinished 2003 is more elegant.
About the producer
Product details
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
Red
Dry