TASTING NOTES: Bright and lively aromatics lead with blackcurrant, cassis, and baked blackberries with enticing layers of dried flowers, crushed dried lavender, licorice, and a whisper of shaved dark chocolate, cardamom spice and cigar box on the finish. A beautifully elegant style that is both focused yet incredibly balanced. Smooth and silky on the palate with ripe, fine-grained tannins adding great concentration and complexity with a lifting floral bouquet on the finish and acidity that leaves your mouth watering for another sip. Another beautiful mountain gem from the estate at VIADER. Drink over the next 10-15 years. Age for at least 5 years to reach its peak drinking window
53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Cabernet Franc
95 points
James Suckling: A very pretty wine with blackberry, conifer, bark and mushroom aromas and flavors. It’s medium-to full-bodied with layers of pretty fruit and soft tannins. Very nicely crafted for the vintage. Back on form. Try after 2023.
92+ points
Robert Parker: The 2018 Red Blend Viader features a deep garnet-purple color and nose of baked blackberries, blackcurrant pastilles and chocolate-covered cherries with touches of cedar chest, cardamom and pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers a rock-solid backbone of grainy tannins and tons of freshness, supporting the muscular black and red berry fruit core, finishing with loads of mineral sparks.