1992 Viader Proprietary Red

Although rounder and more supple than the 1993, the 1992 displays tell-tale curranty, menthol, and floral notes in the nose, spicy, rich, medium to full-bodied flavors, and outstanding elegance and finesse. Viader is one of the most magnificently situated California vineyards I have ever visited. Located on a steeply terraced slope on Howell Mountain, the vineyard consists of 18 acres planted with 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc. With nearly 2,000 vines per acre, this is a more tightly spaced vineyard than most conventional California plantations. Crop sizes have been minuscule - one and a quarter tons per acre on average! The result is a wine the proprietor claims in Napa's answer to Cheval Blanc. A high percentage of Cabernet Franc gives the wine elegance, and the Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure, tannin, and backbone. The wines' interesting aromatic profiles offer intensely perfumed bouquets of black and red fruits, spices, menthol, and floral scents. They are medium to full-bodied, with a Bordeaux-like mouthfeel. The emphasis is on finesse as opposed to power. The beautifully packaged product (a heavy glass bottle with broad shoulders and a designer label) is filled with a wine that is as distinctive as the packaging. All the Viader wines offer compelling evidence that they should last and evolve, hopefully improve, for at least 12-15+ years. Tel. (707) 963-3816; Fax (707) 963-3817.