2010 Viader Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend (OWC)

“Viader has a long history of producing great Bordeaux-style blends grown at a high elevation on Howell Mountain. This 2010 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, with almost the same percentages as the superb 2009 bottling. The wine is rich, dry and complex. It shows a fantastic array of blackberries, dates and dark chocolate, with fascinating notes of lavender and dill. The tannins are gorgeous, the acidity fine, and the application of oak is deft. It’s hard to describe just how good this wine feels in the mouth. *Cellar Selection*” (12/2013)

“Good dark red. Plum, cherry, cedar, minerals and herbs lifted by violet on the perfumed nose; a balsamic note adds complexity. Suave and refined on entry, then seamless and nuanced in the middle palate, conveying sneaky depth to its flavors of red and darker fruits, spices, olive tapenade, minerals and flowers. The rocky minerality of the site is buffered by the wine's impression of consistent slow ripening in 2010. Very fine-grained throughout, finishing with a substantial but even dusting of tannins and building floral perfume, while retaining a weightless quality. (ST)” (05/2020)