2016 Viader Black Label Napa Valley
Viader Vineyards and Winery (pronounced “Veeya Dare”), founded by Delia Viader, born in Argentina, who is a ground-breaking visionary and one of the first female winemakers who was very successful in creating one of the sought-after “cult” boutique wineries. Grapes sourced from a 92-acre Howell Mountain vineyard at a 1200 ft elevation with a 32% slope, with a terrior that features rocky volcanic soils, western exposure and vertical planting of vines, resulting in low yields and exceptionally concentrated fruit. I should note that most Napa vines are planted with horizonal terracing. The result are wines that are soft, expressive and align with the terrior they are grown. I was fortunate to Sip this Fine Wine.
You can purchase a few of the wines crafted by Viader Vineyards and Winery, I recommend to check out their availability, click this link “WinePurchase” to go to their site and apply for an account! If you find your travels to the Napa area, I recommend a visit to their winery, click this link, “TastingAppointment,” to register. On my next trip, I plan on visiting with Delia, and her son Alan, and dive into a deeper understanding of their winemaking techniques.
Keep checking back with SippingFineWine.com as I share my experiences tasting wines, visiting wineries, and meeting and interviewing some outstanding individuals. I’ll continue to report on my discoveries.
A blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Syrah, 14% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Franc, aged for 14 months in 100% French oak (30% new). Deep Ruby, purple edges with developing youthful layered aromas of black berry fruits, sweet spice and notes of blossom, oak and wet stone. On the palate pronounced complex flavors of blackberry, black cherry and ripe raspberry, not jammy but perfectly ripe fruits, adding some black pepper, espresso and cacao notes. Fine grain structured soft tannins, well integrated and balanced, long finish, ending with fresh berry fruit character, just starting to add some leather, tobacco notes and earthy oak. Outstanding and elegant, drinking well for a ’16 but needs some bottle age, try this in 2021 and over the next decade+ if you have restraint! Limited production (826 cases), so grab one before they are gone! Tasting Sample.
Cheers!