91POINTS
16¾/20
Viader Vineyards Proprietary Red Wine 2004
Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe '04 was the first wine in the vertical 1990-2009 that resembles what many would consider the modern Napa-style. The nose is slightly sweet with oak and vanilla notes flecked with a bit of lead pencil and liquorice. The palate is soft round warm and glossy with generous ripe smoky, spicy fruit with that telltale Viader restraint. A little more obvious and perhaps ready to drink than previous editions. The mix is to that 60/40 cabernet sauvignon /cabernet franc. Served with pine smoke roasted squab, bastille of confit leg, sultana toasted almond date purée, natural jus.Tasted: 22 April 2013Tasted by: Anthony Gismondi and Stuart TobePrices:US | $94.00 | 750ml | average retail |
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet Franc