1995 Viader Proprietary Red

Excellently situated at 450m on a well drained site on Howell Mountain, Viader's Cabernet blend (heavily dependent on Cabernet Franc – 47 per cent in this case) is always eloquent. Treacly yet delicate. Deep in both colour and intensity with a strong mineral undertow and admirable structure despite its relative age. (JR)

Similar in style to the 1996, the 1995 reveals an opaque purple color, remarkably sweet tannin for a wine from this vintage, and gorgeous levels of black currant fruit nicely complemented by toast, smoke, and floral scents. This rich, medium to full-bodied wine fills the mouth without any sense of heaviness or harshness. It is a beautifully knit, lush, complex, elegant red wine that should drink well for 12-15 years. The wines from this superbly situated hillside vineyard on the lower slopes of Howell Mountain are going from strength to strength. Proprietor Delia Viader believes in blending these wines with a relatively high percentage of Cabernet Franc. In most vintages, the proportion of Cabernet Franc is close to 50%, with the balance Cabernet Sauvignon. Improvements noticeable in both the 1995 and 1996 (and for that matter that 1994) have included richer mid-palates, and less aggressive oak and acidity. Tel. (707) 963-3816; Fax (707) 963-3817