TASTING NOTES: Lively layers of fresh rose petals and wild flowers mixed with dried herbs and lavender. The firm tannin structure has transformed into a silky balance. The wine continues to showcase dark red fruit profiles recalling sugar plum, currants, with layers of blackberry. Alan comments, “The spices from the oak are only perceptible on the finish which leans more towards espresso or dark chocolate.” Richness and power define this wine and it should be one to cellar for many years to come.
69% Cabernet Sauvignon and 31% Cabernet Franc
Lisa Perotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: A barrel sample composed of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Cabernet Franc, the 2015 Proprietary Red Blend sports a deep garnet-purple color and nose of crème de cassis, baked blackberries and kirsch plus hints of dried fruitcake, Chinese five spice, menthol and fragrant earth. Medium to full-bodied, taut and seriously spicy in the mouth, it has an impressive array of earth and fruit layers supported by grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, with lingering aniseed notes on the finish. (93-95 points)
Jeb Dunnuck: Not yet bottled, the 2015 Viader Proprietary Red Blend is aging in 75% new French oak. It has slightly more density and plushness compared to the 2014, with more blue fruits, scorched earth, and graphite all showing. It’s a big, rich, yet elegant 2015 that’s going to benefit from short-term cellaring and have 2+ decades of overall longevity. (93-95 points)