2008 Viader Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend

“Dark red-ruby. Musky, spicy aromas of currant, minerals, balsamic cedar and soy sauce, lifted by a subtle minty high note. A moderately ripe, nicely delineated midweight, offering juicy flavors of currant, coffee, mocha, truffle, minerals and chocolate mint. Finishes with big, serious, tongue-dusting tannins and lingering notes of truffle and balsamic vinegar. Ready to drink but still has the energy and tannic support for another decade of development in bottle. (ST)” (03/2018)

“If anything, Viader can be consistently counted among those tougher, more unruly wines when it is very young as it is here, but it can also be relied upon to show the pedigree, depth and complexity that are expected of a serious wine. This bottling does both, and it is still hard as nails, but its tannin and toughness notwithstanding, it is a wine of real presence and potential. *One Star*” (08/2011)

“Shows the luscious fruit and softness of previous vintages, with rich, layered raspberry, cherry, cassis, vanilla, caramelized oak and spice flavors that go on and on into a long finish. The tannins are sturdy from this blend of the two Cabernets, Sauvignon and Franc, which was grown on the lower slopes of Howell Mountain. Yet it's so sweet and fruity, you can drink it now.” (09/2011)

“Healthy crimson with an aged rim. Very complete and evolved with a furry edge but not sickly and not OTT. Real structure with a soaked quinoa quality. Very substantial wine. Lots of complexity to discover here. Clean finish. 17.5/20 points (JR)” (03/2015)

“Offering mature plum and baked berry pie flavors that are atypical for a wine this young. Elegant and detailed, with subtle plum and berry notes that are pleasantly complex. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. (JL)” (11/2011)