55% Cabernet Sauvignon; 45% Cabernet Franc. Among the all- time leaders in our Cabernet ratings, Viader has produced a ripe and concentrated bottling this time out, and it is that very same concentration that is both the wine's strength and its downside. For all of the deep, dense, "purple fruit" qualities and rich oak on display here, there is a distinct leaning towards chocolate and Ruby Port that simply takes the wine past the norm for Cabernet. Its tough, gritty latter palate tannins do it no...

Rating: 90/100 - As reviewed by International Wine Cellar in Issue 114, May/June 2004 ($80) Good ruby-red color. Vibrant aromas of blackberry, violet, tobacco, cedar and chocolatey oak. Sweet, supple and silky, with a burnished oak element and broad, fine tannins. Distinctly creamy in the middle, even on the soft side. Not quite as gripping as it appeared to be from barrel a year ago, but aromatic and suave. The cabernet franc was less potent in 2001 than in 2002, notes Viade...

Viader produces less than 5,000 cases per year. The blend of 60% Cabernet and 40% Cabernet Franc enhances the wine with great aromatics and bright cherry fruit. Viader prides itself in producing wines that are 100% organically grown, hand farmed with very low yields per acre. Intense concentrated fruit with black currents, layers of chocolate, hints of licorice, anise, earth and leather, with a long, complex, and lingering aftertaste. Powerful nose and rich everlasting core of red and black fruit...

Rating: 87/100 - As reviewed by The Wine Advocate in Issue 150

Rating: 87/100 - As reviewed in Wine Advocate # 150 on Dec-03

Rating: 94/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator