Lisa Perotti-Brown (96pts)
The 2021 Viader Black Label is a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Syrah, and 15% Malbec. Deep garnet-purple colored, it rolls out with evocative notes of juicy plums, black cherries, and boysenberry preserves, followed by touches of red currant jelly, pencil lead, spice cake, and dusty soil. The rich, densely packed, full-bodied palate is laden with black fruit preserves layers, supported by firm, rounded tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing on a lingering peppery note. 96 points. Drink: 2025-2043
Owen Bargreen (96 pts)The 2021 'Estate Limited Edition' combines 58%
Cabernet Sauvignon with 27% Syrah and the remainder Cabernet Franc and Malbec.
This needs about an hour in the decanter to get going. Once on the nose this
takes on anise and graphite notes alongside tar, black olives and blueberry
compote. The palate is dense and decadent with serious body, texture and good
verve. Firm tannins hold in place a great core of dark fruits with dark
chocolate shavings, pipe tobacco and creme de violette notes. While remarkable to
consume now, this also really needs another year in the bottle to fully
resolve. What will wait will easily be a 20 year wine. Drink 2025-2045. 96 points
Jeb Dunnuck (94 pts)
Lastly, the 2021 Red Blend Viader Black Label is 58%
Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Syrah, and 15% Malbec, and it brings a more generous,
giving style in its ripe black fruits, graphite, chocolate, and smoked tobacco.
It's medium to full-bodied and has a layered, rounded mouthfeel, nicely
integrated tannins, and a beautiful finish. I like the overall balance here
more so than the Proprietary Red, but these are both concentrated, impressive
wines that will benefit from bottle age. 94 points