Popped, poured and consumed over the next couple of hours. Lush deep purple color; black berry, currant and violet nose.
Right out of the gate, this one is special and You need help I need help coming in as it spends time the glass, It gains considerable complexity. Deeply rich and integrated, it is reminiscent of a high-end Chateauneuf du Pape. Round, layered black fruit dominates up front, with wonderful savory notes filling in on the mid-palate.. The finish features soft, velvety tannins and a long satisfying backend.
This is a remarkable achievement, and I am quite impressed with this wines’ development. I’m pleased to note that I have one bottle remaining from my initial case purchase. I suspect this one is currently in a state that is as good as it gets, so I will likely uncork that last bottle in the next year or two. When I do, I’ll report back on its condition
Bravo!
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for the age, quit surprised the amount of fruit still remaining after opening an hour and half in a half bottle. yes dry, and alcohol at 14% is still present. tannins are still alive. the dryness over shallows the fruit. not bad for a 21 year old wine. dry dry dry. yes, i am enjoying.
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Had the same dinner as the last time with this bottle - viader lamb sliders. Opened while still warming up from the cellar, so very tight at first. Opened with air, revealing a plush layered wine. Somewhat muted on the note, but with plenty of dusty cherry, iron adn mineral notes. Some drying tannin. Better on day two. A very broad offering that has always been very good.
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Very happy with this wine. Showed nice on the pop n pour and held strong for hour plus of consumption. Showing its age but still has nice fruit and layers of tertiary flavors. Lingering finish. Nice!
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Very nice wine with a special NY strip roast dinner. It shows it's age with a lot of bricking but still had some fruit. No flaws or oxidation, bottle and cork in good shape. Blackcurrant up front, then nice herbs and pepper leading into cedar and cigar tobacco. Pretty fun to enjoy a wine with this much age, but also time to drink up if you have any left.
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This is a beautiful wine that has impressed me three times now. It's clearly better than its scores from critics would indicate. Gorgeous aromas of black olives, rosemary, and blackcurrants. Full of sweet, black fruit on the palate with plenty of the forest-y accents that make cabernet so special. Chocolatey smooth. Although the wine lacks exuberance, the finish provides a strong mouth-coating sensation and appropriate tannins.
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The website says that the Cabernet Franc imparts the distinctive violet flavor, which is definitely the dominate flavor in this beautiful wine. I normally do not associate violet with Cabernet Franc, but here it was a nice flavor. Other notable flavors are blue and black fruits, cassis, cherry, tobacco, cedar, cinnamon spice, slight notes of bell pepper, and milk chocolate. Well integrated oak. The fruit was still very strong for an 18 year old wine, as was the carefully balanced acidity. A good wine, but not a special wine. Better in the Riedel Bordeaux Sommelier glass.
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Decanted for 90 mins, then drank over 2.5 hrs. Ruby color, some rim variation (brown/orange hue), with slight bricking. Fair amount of sediment. Medium alcohol, medium acidity. Good minerality and earthiness, esp. for a CA Bordeaux blend. Plenty of leather, wood, and cigar box on the nose. Fresh pencil shavings, graphite. Then fruit emerged more forcefully, mostly black and red fruit (blackberry, black and red cherry), but also some blue fruit. Oak is well integrated. Beautifully balanced on the palate: fruit (black and red, some blue), non-fruit characteristics (leather, earth, wood), acidity. Fine tannins, well integrated. Maturewine, but should drink well for at least three more yrs. My last bottle. I wish I had more.
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Similar notes to MXPBUY, with the exception that mine was a pn'p from a 750. Same violet and cedar on the nose with red fruit and green / herb on the palate. I see no reason to wait. This beauty is resting on her plateau now. Second night - Violet nose more pronounced, palate more green.
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From Magnum. It took over an hour to fully open. Lovely black and red fruits in waves. Dried herbs with hints of green veggies and a kiss of sweet Oak. Near silky smooth. Almost not sediment with just a thin film stuck to bottle.
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Still drinking very well. Decanted, but did start to drink immediately after opening. Interestingly, the cork broke when opening, and there was a lot of sediment, but the wine was fine. But I would recommend drinking immediately rather than letting it air our for hours before drinking. This blend is very smooth and not overpowering. Paired well with a variety of food at the Italian restaurant
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Excellent. The cassis fruit is still going strong; indeed, it is so deep as to become almost tarry. The nose is full of cedar and spice. Full-bodied and decadent yet serious due to the balanced earthy flavors and the strong tannins. Drinks great now, but I'm not sure it's reached its peak yet; no hurry here.
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Medium dark purple, a hint of bricking at the edges. Slight hint of violets on the nose. Delicious, chewy wine. Densely flavored with great depth of flavor. Tannins still present, but I think this wine has peaked.
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This is drinking great. Its noticeably softer than recent vintages but its also 15 years old. Beautiful representation of Howell Mtn fruit Red Blend with Cab Franc and Cab Sauv. Always a solid wine....
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Very similar to previous bottle, albeit even more youthful. I probably should have waited at least 6-12 more months before drinking (to see how this may evolve). While it is drinking beautifully right now, I will try to cellar my last remaining bottle for at least 2 more yrs, since I suspect more tobacco/leather/earth will emerge.
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Lovely dark purplish red. decanted for 1 hour consumed at a dinner party. The cabernet franc dominates this wine with distinctive black tea and dried grape leave notes as primary aromas with secondary fruit peeking through. the palate of dried blackberries, figs and heavier tea notes is pleasing. probably has at least 5 more years. consumed with medium rare filet loin and it was a good pairing.
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Continues to be a terrific wine. Deep purple, deep flavors. Improves in the glass for at least 45 minutes. Latour-like in character. Lingering finish and enough tannins to indicate that perhaps a decade of life lies ahead.
Bought this year's ago based upon a tip of someone I met in Napa. Wish I had bought more.
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Still very good. Visually, less evidence of age than one may think for a 2001 - only slight bricking. Less developed than my previous bottle, in fact. Lovely nose. Black and blue fruit, tobacco. A touch of cigar box. Palate along the same lines of the nose - black and blue fruit, touch of tobacco. Good acidity, moderate alcohol levels for a new world Bordeaux blend. Paired well with rich dishes at Diavola (i.e. charcuterie, pasta with a pork cheek ragu, and trippa a la fiorentina).
Will revisit in 10-12 months. Only two bottles left, sadly.
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Decanted for 60 mins, then drank over 2.5 hrs. With hindsight, I would decant for at least 120 mins. Ruby color, plenty of rim variation (brown/orange hue), with slight bricking. Fair amount of sediment. Medium alcohol, medium acidity. Initially plenty of leather, wood, and cigar box on the nose. Fresh pencil shavings, graphite. Then fruit emerged more forcefully, mostly black and red fruit (blackberry, black and red cherry), but also some blue fruit. Some coconut - modest oak. Cassis. Beautifully balanced on the palate: fruit (black and red, some blue), non-fruit characteristics (leather, earth, wood), acidity. Fine tannins, well integrated. Developed wine, but should drink well for at least two or three more yrs, maybe more. Enjoyed tremendously. Happy to have several more bottles. Will revisit in 6-12 months.
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30 min decant - drinking surprisingly young. Good acidity, well integrated tannins, leans more toward red fruits (strawberry, raspberry) than to the dark blue fruits. Plenty of life left.
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Over dinner at University Club. Poured into decanter and drank over 2 hours. Appearance is clear, deep intrnsity, dark ruby with garnet rim. Legs. Nose is clean, medium+ intensity. Initial intermittent aromas of greeness and cardboard which blew off with air, revealing aromas of dark chocolate, earth, leather, menthol, cedarwood. Creamy chocolate and coconut after 1.5 hours. Developed. On the palate, dry, medium+ acidity, medium+ (14%) alcohol, finely integrated medium+ tannins, full body. Medium+ flavour intensity, with flavours of dark chocolate, cedarwood, dark red cherries, blueberries, blackberries, blackcurrant, plums, leather, earth. Complex and layered with nice sweet fruit. Long finish. Elegance and refinement rather than blockbusterism. Very good quality. Drink up over the next 2-3 years. Give it some air before drinking. 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Cabernet Franc.
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Beautiful wine. Still on the young side actually! Big amount of cabernet franc and it comes through. Very balanced and elegant, some green and earth notes but dominated by ripe red fruit flavors like cranberry and strawberry, red licorice, so delicious.
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After 14 years in my cellar it is still fantastic but I would recommend drinking now. Tabacoo and leather hints of cherry. Really enjoyed it. Cork was a bit dry but decanted and wine was fine.
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This continues to be a wonderful wine in the sweet spot of its window of drinkability. Deep purple color, no signs of bricking. Nose is still closed 90 minutes after decanting. Mild tones of tobacco, and leather undergird the fruit, in which currant predominates. Full-bodied, with balance and structure. One sip demands another, which is among the highest compliments one can bestow.
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Loved it. It's held up really well but won't last much longer. Cab franc announces itself with lots of spice and cedar. Cab Sauvignon and fruit is there too but less obvious. Really excellent. Have one more bottle coming and will enjoy over the next year for sure.
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Holding up extremely well although I believe it's a couple years past cresting. Was still a lovely bottle to drink with slight oxidation but still that strong old world Bordeaux core.
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Reddish purple in color. The nose comes alive after about 30 minutes in the glass with aromas of pipe tobacco, ripe black currant jam, smoky dried herbs vying for attention. A very silky and elegant palate follows through with ripe cassis liqueur, black olives, hint of licorice, medium acidity and a long finish. This has aged quite wonderfully making for an interesting mouthful of wine.
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This blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Cabernet Franc was tasted in double-blind fashion, with the bottle kindly provided by D.H. Showing a youthful-appearing opaque ruby color, it offers explosive dark plum, cassis, anise, fig and dried earth aromas. Full-bodied, round and dense on the palate, it has ripe black fruit and mineral flavors which are supported by substantial fine-grained tannins and seamless alcohol (listed as 14%). Solid in the middle and impressively long on the finish, this is nothing other than pure hedonism! Drink now-2026.
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Wonderful. Inky dark purple color, violets on the nose. Nice blackberry fruit, underscored by deep cassis. A lingering finish, medium tannins. A few good,years lie ahead of it. Impressive effort.
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Drank half the bottle reserving the balance for day 2. Definately a mature bordeaux blend that holds to its style. Muted oak, leather, tobacco but the fruit is beginning to dominate. Drink up.
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Dinner with Bill. Opened and bottle aired for an hour before consumption. Dark ruby with slight brick in the glass, medium to full weight. Nose of cedar, dust, earth, plum and cherry, fantastically smooth and velveteen. Mature sweet fruit very balanced showing cherry, raspberry, blackberry. Long mid-palate and silky finish, a perfect pairing for lamb sliders. Ready to drink now.
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Delicious. Smooth and balanced. Unlikely to improve from here on out, but certainly drinking well right now. Decanted for about an hour and poured back in the bottle for dinner.
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A bit reserved for a Viader Proprietary Red. Enjoyable to drink now and probably at (or starting to go beyond) its peak. Finish is shorter and more compact than most years. A good but not great effort.
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Viader was one of my favorites in the early 2000s. Have had many of the vintages starting with the 1997. I even had a nice conversation with Deliah Viader. This vintage is still drinking very nicely. The more recent vintages have not been in my favorites but still great wines. I think the 2001 is still great and should be great for a few more years at least as long as the cellar conditions are right.
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Great red, black, and blue fruits with Layers and Layers of nose and mouth flavors. Lt. eucalyptus and mint and herb. Nice vanilla. Decent tanning at the end. Long finish of about 1 minute length.
Went Great with aged tomato pasta with fresh spicy italian sausage on top.
Better than Elivette. Similar to Faust but more flavors with the Cab Franc aspect added in.
Reminds me a bit of a good year Arns , almost Tom Eddy, and Gun Bun's Reinfarm vineyard.
Recommend decant 2 hrs and pair with medium to big tannin food. Enjoy now and can likely develop other aspects in a few more yrs, but drinking LOVELY now.
93 pts.
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Beautiful aromas and flavors of ripe black currant and berries with layers of vanilla, eucalyptus and cigarbox notes. Perfect balance of power and elegance, with a long finish. Ready now.
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Medium ruby with light rim. Not showing any noticeable bricking. Seductive aromatics include leather, anise, tobacco, black fruits and vanilla. On the palate, black fruits co-mingle with espresso, anise and vanilla. Tannins are alive and well integrated; medium(+) acidity, medium(+) plush yet silky body (crushed velour?) and medium(+) length. In a great spot. Excellent.
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WOW. We love this wine. Had this with prime filet. The drinking window is perfect right now. My guest thought it may be near declining. I have two more, thankfully. Totally velvet with wonderful fruit and completely integrated tannins.
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Prime time for this wine. So balanced and easy to drink. Had with appetizers of wild boar salami, medium Italian cheese, and aged balsamic. The wine's balance complemented all the varied flavors.
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This wine has really developed in the last couple of years. Initially I was disappointed with earlier bottles. This is no longer the case and I am glad I have a few more. Wonderful nose, nice fruit, polished wine with a pleasant finish.
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- Crimsom color and aromas of strawberry and has flavours of violet and licorice anise - Strawberry notes followed by nutmeg and licorice with floral notes. Wonderful nose. Elegant on the palette. Showing really well right now.
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Mid Feb 2012 in restaurant "Schwarzwaldstube, Traube Tonbach": deep purple color; cherry, plum, cassis, noble wood and mint; mellow, smooth Cabernet sweetness on the palate; full body; lush texture; mild tannic, long finish.
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Beautiful purple color showing no signs of aging. Silky smooth with integrated yet still present tannin. Fruit was typical black fruits on more mature side but still fresh. Well made and well aged - seems to be at or near peak with 2-4 years left.
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I have to say this is just a wonderful wine. Had with Christmas dinner (prime rib). Just pure velvet - silky tannins and long lingering finish. This wine is starting to lose a little fruit and is quite nuanced. I give about another two years before it starts going south. Drink now if you have it. I am excited to have three more!!
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Piedmont at Tilia's: I poured this blind thinking it might be fun to try to guess. Proved to be a very poor fit after all the old-world wines as this was obviously new-world. The color is blackish-red. The nose gives red fruit, caramel, mint and expresso. On the palate this gives plush dark fruit with a touch of cola. Well balanced, but the flavors are a little flat/lacking intensity. Still showing some mild tannins. Relatively short finish. It's hard to judge as this was clearly out of place at the end of this tasting, but seemed to have a lot of nice attributes if the setting had been better.
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Farewell dinner with BBQ ribs, opened early to breath and served before dinner. Expansive profile of cedar, cassis, vanilla, mocha and dusty cherry, this bottle showed well but not as well as the previous one in May. This perhaps was due to shipping with only 2 weeks rest afterwards. Smooth, velvety, a little short on sweet fruit and length but very enjoyable nonetheless. Notes from memory a week later.
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First, use an ah-so remover or something else that treats the cork gently. Our sommelier broke the cork although he was doing nothing abnormal with it. It just split. Loads of upfront blackcurrant, fine oak and well-integrated tannins. Gorgeous dark ruby with no discernible bricking and a beautiful nose with cedar and hints of chocolate. Drinking beautifully now; the window is open and perfect. It might still have some time, but if you have any, don't be afraid to open it.
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This is drinking fabulously. We had the '02 a couple weeks ago, but this '01 is just so much more right now. Amazing nose expressing dark fruit, silky smooth entry and a great finish. Fantastic!
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Perfectly stored since release. Opened 2 hrs. early to pair with Viader's excellent lamb sliders recipe, this reveals a solid crimson with no fading. Initial notes as follows: aromatics include a lovely floral, bright pure cherry fruit, black currant, a sandalwood component and an earthy black olive element. Silky smooth from the get go, full bodied and elegant. Fruit has matured but with plenty of presence still. Ahhh, what's that saying about the best laid plans....? Dinner turned into a disaster. Got carried away with the first mow of the season and got in late to start dinner, our 2 yr. old had a melt down so she had dinner early which prompted more issues during our dinner, and I ended up charring the sliders way too much. C'est la vie. The wine was the best part of the whole deal....a few hours post open much is the same but the fruit/finish has expanded, both on the nose and palate, encompassing a full berry melange of ripe cherry, ripe raspberry, with a citric high end, licorice note as well. Sweet and round, no hard edges, the finish cranks through with fine grained tannins. Drinking very well at present. Look forward to the next attempt at Viader sliders with a bottle. Day two + under vac-u-vin shows a more neutralized Viader, less complexity and nuance. I believe now is the drinking window on this.
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This has really evolved with more secondary flavors. Medium to full body. Smooth, integrated and somewhat long. This is the best bottle yet. Mature, but not fading. Some initial ratings really missed on this wine.
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Popped and poured. Medium purple color sort of a garnet hue. Dry berries on the nose. A bit dusty and a hint of clove. Light to medium body. Flavors tending to red berries/strawberries. Some cloves, leather, and light tannins. Turns dry on the finish. Drink up now.
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What a treat -- this wine has been perfectly aged and is tasting great! The fruit was alive on the nose and the taste was equally as exsiting -- loved this wine -- drink now I think at its apex.
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Dark fruit, earthy cassis, subtle spice, and leather. Dry, chalky palate with some nice weight and a soft cocoa finish. A nice wine, albeit a little dried out.
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Nose of damp earth and nuts. More of the same in the mouth with hints of licorice and cocco. Was the fruit ever there or is it just gone? Smooth finish lacking tannins. I probably should have bought the 03 that was also available.
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Forgot to take a note at the time, but I remember this being a very enjoyable bottle of wine. (So much so that my friend chased down Delia and bought some from the library.)
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consumed after opening. Initially very tight nose with typical boudeaux type nose of leather and oak. medium body. Decanted and continued to taste over the next 3 hours without much improvement. Lacking on the the front end and finish, sharpness on the mid palate. Off balance.
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decanted for 2.5 hours. fell flat on its face. nice bouquet but once the wine was in your mouth, it was an average $20 wine. finish was poor. would not buy this again.
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Dark color. Smoke & dark roast coffee over dark berry aromas with a slight vegetal element. Lean, cool red berry flavors with soft tannins & a gravel element on the palate. Lean, but not mean.
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From magnum, decanted 3 hours. Dark purple with slight browning at the edges. Initial signature cab franc nose of black olive and green pepper (not surprising at 45% cab franc), but no green on palate. Initial green note fades to reveal complex and layered black currant, plum, violets, wintergreen and licorice. Nice velvety mouthfeel. Oak is fully integrated at this point. Ready to drink, but be sure and decant.
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Great mouth feel, velvety and smooth. Licorice, mellon, and incredible viscocity. Let it breath for about 1-2 hours...worth it. Not sure how much more time in the celler the '01 needs...enjoy!
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Nose: A black currant bonanza! Spicy cedar and some funk hung out around the massive black currant perfume.
Palate: Surprise, lots of black currants, some black cherry, sweet tobacco, very full bodied. Everything is in balance for such a large wine. Still youthful. The finish was long and slightly one dimensional...it almost belly flopped on the palate as opposed to fanning out.
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Opened and served immediately. Dark garnet color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of violets, raspberries and cherries. Flavors of boysenberries, balsamic and dark cherries. Medium acidity, tannns and body. Drink over the short term.
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A long weekend in Seaside, OR; 6/5/2009-6/7/2009 (Seaside, OR): Nose of red fruits, leather, and a woodsy or loamy-like smell. A little heat was also evident upon opening. The palate had plummy flavors with that loamy-like note being present again. I'm not sure how to best describe it, but it's just not up my alley. Medium bodied wine with a medium length finish. Still has some tannins left, and at times it had a nice mouth-watering finish, but it didn't last. My last bottle of Viader, and that's OK.
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Full-bodied wine, concentrated with layers of black currents, layers of chocolate, hints of licorice, anise, earth and leather and holds a long, complex, and lingering aftertaste. Full bouquet with rich everlasting core of red and black fruits and violet-like aromas
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past its prime, should have been drank 1-3 years ago, most flavor and fruit has gone Does show potential for having had complexity in youth Black cherries, cassis, hints of earthy tar and cigar It is possible that the wine is simply in a dumb phase and will revitalize within several months
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Bordeaux like nose with dark current, earth, and graham cracker. Palate with moderate complexity and integrated tannins but not as good as other vintages. Moderate long finish.
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Shy nose of mocha, dried tobacco and dusty rock. Bitter sweet chocolate and more of that leafiness on the palate and through the finish. Silky, medium bodied but with a little bitter tannin and pronounced acidity on the finish. Competent but nothing notable nor distinguished. A poster child for over priced Napa Cab.
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Much, much better than I expected it to be. I thought it had plenty of soft red fruit, leather, and oak, and agree with others that it is an excellent food wine. Part of this is due to the fact that it is a little hollow on the mid palate, as others have suggested -- almost like that cup of coffee that you have added a little too much water to -- the underlying effect is there, but it is a little dilluted. Still -- a nice, smooth enjoyable red that is ready to drink.
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Amazing. Had with dinner. Ribeyes, tomota pie and spinach salad. Courtney and Mike bought this for my 40th 2 years ago so having it with them was great.
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South Florida WS Forum Offline (Hollywood, FL): Prominent red fruit flavors and higher than expected acidiity. Nicely balanced wine, but fairly light for a CA cab blend (medium body), this is geared more as a food wine.
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Dark ruby color. Licorice, worn leather, dried herbs, cassis, blackberries on the opulent nose. Medium body with sweet, ripe tannins and very good acidity. Rich on the palate with dried herbs, cassis, blackberries, minerals, and a hint of oak. Good length on the finish with the spicy fruit and dried herbs slowly giving way to a bit of oak. Outstanding!
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from Magnum. Deeply colored and concentrated, with almost syrupy sweet fruit on the attack. Redolent of raspberry, black currant, blackberry, cassis and muré liqueurs, and espresso. Smooth tannins and a long, supple finish. Delicious! Should hold for another 5-8 years.
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Dark, dark red, limited bouquet of oxidized fruit and burnt red currants, however, very suave on the palate with smooth, balanced velvety structure, not tons of complexity but hints of earth and tar, short finish
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Tasted April 21, 2007 at an offline. Tasted from bottle one of two bottles in a Spiegelau Authentus Magnum glass. Purple color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of black berries, dried herbs, anise, maybe a little plum and the goofy balsalmic aroma. Primary red berry flavors with a little red currant. Light to medium acidity, tannins and body. Drink over the short term.
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Restaurant purchase, from .375. Decanted and consumed over 75 minutes. Deep color, cigar aroma with leather and pine cones. The Cab Franc component is evident but not overpowering in its sweet black fruits. Smooth and well-integrated, with a slightly peppered flavor and a hint of oak breaking through an otherwise great wine. Finish lasted about 20 seconds.
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Nice blackberry nose. Not as full bodied or velvety in the mouth as the 02. Nice flavors with more grip than the 02 but not as nicely balanced. Good finish to a nice wine.
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This is a wine that was much better on release. The herbal quality has taken over the wine to its detriment. Very singular flavors without much complexity but still pleasant to drink. [Decanted 30 minutes and needed it; Drinking well now; wouldn't hold this one]
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Hit the spot I wanted. Leathery and oaky on the top with dark fruit playing a strong role. A bit prickly and volatile, but nice acids and good body w/o sweetness or flab. Somewhat sloppy fruit and no precision whatsoever, even balsamic notes involved. Nonetheless, what are really flaws produced something very jucy and spicy which did exactly what I wanted with a big steak and sides.
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Deep red in color, with elegrant flavors of deep cherry with refined hint of oak. Medium bodied and very smooth. Drink over next 5 - 7 years. Purchased directly from winery.
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89 with some potential for improvement. A very nice wine with bright red fruit flavors, an herbal element and reasonable balance. Unfortunately it had a hole in the mid-palate that detracted from the overall wine. [~$70 on release; Decanted about an hour and needed it; Drinking well now but tastes young; Short-term hold OK]
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On our way to Napa tomorrow, so thought we'd empty a bottle from Napa tonight. Read many notes on this wine, mostly average at best, so we didn't have high expectations. Well.....expectations far exceeded. Beautiful dark purple color. Fine nose of ripe berries and chocolate. On the palate, concentrated fruit - lots of crushed red berries, with note of milk chocolate, plums, and just a touch of earth. Nice balance and feel - tannins moderately powerful, but in line wth the concentration of fruit, made for a good combination. Only slight drawback to the wine tonight was the length of the finish, which was medium, but was also smooth and powerful in its relatively short (in comparison to the fruit concentration) time. Incidentally, my wife did not enjoy it, as she thought it was too tannic and out of balance. Oh well, must be one of those wines....
Now onto Napa - visits to Carlisle, Smith-Madrone, Shafer and Vineyard 29 on tap, with others thrown in I'm quite sure....
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The most average wine of the night...ripe fruit dominated by alcohol... after the other beauties, this was outclassed. It had a hollow midpalate, thin finish and hot close--I wouldn't be a buyer.
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Warmed up to this one after some time in the glass. Initially quite a bit of earthiness, with some sage/cedar going on and almost raw wood on the nose. However, as it sat in the glass the bouquet let go with some nice red fruits and a better balance of the cedar. On the palate this showed raspberry, strawberry, some roasted fruits, and a bit of mocha/chocolate. Don't know that this will get any better, but very enjoyable now.
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There's a hole in my wine! This is weird but the midpalate on this one seems hollow. There is a brief rush of red fruit on the inital taste...then nothing...then a bit more fruit, mild tannins and sweet oak on the finish. Not a bad wine, but I wish I'd spent my $65 on something else. The 95 Viader remains my benchmark from this producer so far.
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Overal a nice jammy CA cab. Mild raspberry, cassis, cherry mixed with oak and vanilla. Soft tannins. I thought the wine was a bit light in mouth feel and soft in style overall. I expected a bit more weight at this age, but am thinking that this vintage of Viader is just a softer styled wine overall.
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I agree with the mild balsamic on the nose but I did not find it off putting and this definitely faded after 3 hours in the decanter. Nice mediumebody with good mouth feel. Could still pick up a touch of balsamic on the palate, which I thought was pleasant and not a fault, along with ripe blueberry. Moderately long finish with perceptable tannin but drinking very well now. This is my first Viader and I do not believe it deserves a score in the low 80's. I would give it a solid 90.
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Re previous note - was divine with steaks. Much more restrained, well-framed and softer than previous. Leather and earthy notes, good fruit w/o being dominant. Slight V/A notes, but combined to be pleasant with the solid acidic backbone and dry finish. Absolutely perfect for dinner outside w/ steaks.
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Ripe, jammy style with a touch of mint and graphite over cassis base. Jammy palate, loaded with ripe tannin, oddly seems almost unstructured. After a promising start finishes very poorly and really isn't very appealing.
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Wow! An entoxicating deep nose full of dark cocoa, sweet ripe berries, cassis, cotton candy, tar and earth aromas. This balanced full bodied wine has rich red fruit coating the entire palate and chewy sweet tannin. Lead pencil, smokey oak, tobacco, and caramel captivate your taste buds on the long finish. This is better than the 01 Neal and on par (yet different) than 01 Pride. This can only get better with time.
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Yum. Beautiful CA cab. Rich and full fruit with strong tannic body. Great drinking all through and will be divine with steaks. Have two bottles on hold. Tasted at Gentiles 10/1/03
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Tasted at the Vintage Wines, Ltd. tasting bar. Bright disc. Opaque black robe with purple rim. Clean nose, showing moderately intense aromas of currants, black cherries, plums, roasted herbs, underbrush and vanilla. Full-bodied on the palate, with big ripe tannins, medium acidity and similar flavors as for the nose. Long, smooth finish.
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12/11/2023 - BernieMSY Likes this wine: 95 Points
Popped, poured and consumed over the next couple of hours. Lush deep purple color; black berry, currant and violet nose.
Right out of the gate, this one is special and You need help I need help coming in as it spends time the glass, It gains considerable complexity. Deeply rich and integrated, it is reminiscent of a high-end Chateauneuf du Pape. Round, layered black fruit dominates up front, with wonderful savory notes filling in on the mid-palate.. The finish features soft, velvety tannins and a long satisfying backend.
This is a remarkable achievement, and I am quite impressed with this wines’ development. I’m pleased to note that I have one bottle remaining from my initial case purchase. I suspect this one is currently in a state that is as good as it gets, so I will likely uncork that last bottle in the next year or two. When I do, I’ll report back on its condition
Bravo!
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4/21/2023 - Winokdub wrote: 92 Points
Great nose. Still showing fruit and would guess it as 21 plus years. Only moderate complexity.
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10/31/2022 - Martyl9 wrote: 93 Points
for the age, quit surprised the amount of fruit still remaining after opening an hour and half in a half bottle. yes dry, and alcohol at 14% is still present. tannins are still alive. the dryness over shallows the fruit. not bad for a 21 year old wine. dry dry dry.
yes, i am enjoying.
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10/22/2022 - boillatm wrote: 90 Points
As mentioned by others, this is an easy drinking right now. The mid-palate felt a bit hollow.
By all means drink up
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9/23/2022 - DBenke wrote: 94 Points
Delicious
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10/28/2021 - passion4wine Likes this wine: 90 Points
Balanced, dark res fruit still dominate, silky smooth tannins and very easy drinking
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8/23/2021 - Senso-beak wrote: 92 Points
Had the same dinner as the last time with this bottle - viader lamb sliders. Opened while still warming up from the cellar, so very tight at first. Opened with air, revealing a plush layered wine. Somewhat muted on the note, but with plenty of dusty cherry, iron adn mineral notes. Some drying tannin. Better on day two. A very broad offering that has always been very good.
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4/25/2021 - Winokdub wrote: 93 Points
Very happy with this wine. Showed nice on the pop n pour and held strong for hour plus of consumption. Showing its age but still has nice fruit and layers of tertiary flavors. Lingering finish. Nice!
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2/3/2021 - no leashes wrote: 90 Points
Dark currant and berries, cedar and a hint of spice and pepper on the finish. Very enjoyable, drink up now, no reason to wait.
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1/18/2021 - Jon Mills Likes this wine: 92 Points
Cedar and dark berries. Surprisingly fresh. This was a delicious comeback after a recent bottle was corked.
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1/17/2021 - RTCita wrote:
Delicious. Very tight at corking. Opened up after 2+ hours with tannins and fruit blending beautifully.
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12/30/2020 - SonomaCoaster Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very nice wine with a special NY strip roast dinner. It shows it's age with a lot of bricking but still had some fruit. No flaws or oxidation, bottle and cork in good shape. Blackcurrant up front, then nice herbs and pepper leading into cedar and cigar tobacco. Pretty fun to enjoy a wine with this much age, but also time to drink up if you have any left.
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10/20/2020 - no leashes wrote: 91 Points
Drinking very nicely (out of .375) with dark cherry, spice and currant flavors. Medium bodied with smooth tannins.
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4/3/2020 - Tjones105 wrote:
Fantastic. Earthy, clean, flavorful, ageless
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4/2/2020 - rmalloy Likes this wine: 95 Points
This is a beautiful wine that has impressed me three times now. It's clearly better than its scores from critics would indicate. Gorgeous aromas of black olives, rosemary, and blackcurrants. Full of sweet, black fruit on the palate with plenty of the forest-y accents that make cabernet so special. Chocolatey smooth. Although the wine lacks exuberance, the finish provides a strong mouth-coating sensation and appropriate tannins.
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9/11/2019 - rmalloy Likes this wine: 93 Points
This is really good. The aromas of black fruits and cedar are still very dense, as is the mouthfeel. I'm still not sure this has reached its peak.
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4/10/2019 - jkscully Likes this wine:
The website says that the Cabernet Franc imparts the distinctive violet flavor, which is definitely the dominate flavor in this beautiful wine. I normally do not associate violet with Cabernet Franc, but here it was a nice flavor. Other notable flavors are blue and black fruits, cassis, cherry, tobacco, cedar, cinnamon spice, slight notes of bell pepper, and milk chocolate. Well integrated oak. The fruit was still very strong for an 18 year old wine, as was the carefully balanced acidity. A good wine, but not a special wine. Better in the Riedel Bordeaux Sommelier glass.
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9/22/2018 - EastmanWine Likes this wine: 90 Points
Cork was losing it but we enjoyed it. Still some fruit notes and quite nice.
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8/17/2018 - BrendanMcS wrote: 94 Points
Really deep and enjoyable red. Darker fruits: BlackBerry and plum. Well balanced. Delicious.
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8/17/2018 - BernieMSY wrote: 94 Points
Really nice wine in the middle of its maturational plateau. Soft tannins, delicious black fruit.nicely integrated and structured.
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5/15/2018 - bravo.solares Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted for 90 mins, then drank over 2.5 hrs. Ruby color, some rim variation (brown/orange hue), with slight bricking. Fair amount of sediment. Medium alcohol, medium acidity. Good minerality and earthiness, esp. for a CA Bordeaux blend. Plenty of leather, wood, and cigar box on the nose. Fresh pencil shavings, graphite. Then fruit emerged more forcefully, mostly black and red fruit (blackberry, black and red cherry), but also some blue fruit. Oak is well integrated. Beautifully balanced on the palate: fruit (black and red, some blue), non-fruit characteristics (leather, earth, wood), acidity. Fine tannins, well integrated. Maturewine, but should drink well for at least three more yrs. My last bottle. I wish I had more.
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4/7/2018 - Whodeyinsea wrote: 93 Points
Similar notes to MXPBUY, with the exception that mine was a pn'p from a 750. Same violet and cedar on the nose with red fruit and green / herb on the palate. I see no reason to wait. This beauty is resting on her plateau now.
Second night - Violet nose more pronounced, palate more green.
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2/9/2018 - buckeye76 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Blackberries, currants, tobacco, and leather in the nose. Black currants and blackberries in the flavor. Medium to full body.
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9/26/2017 - mxpbuy Likes this wine: 93 Points
From Magnum. It took over an hour to fully open. Lovely black and red fruits in waves. Dried herbs with hints of green veggies and a kiss of sweet Oak. Near silky smooth. Almost not sediment with just a thin film stuck to bottle.
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7/24/2017 - jzebrack Likes this wine: 91 Points
Still drinking very well.
Decanted, but did start to drink immediately after opening.
Interestingly, the cork broke when opening, and there was a lot of sediment, but the wine was fine.
But I would recommend drinking immediately rather than letting it air our for hours before drinking.
This blend is very smooth and not overpowering. Paired well with a variety of food at the Italian restaurant
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7/7/2017 - davidandrose Does not like this wine:
Done; was not drinkable.
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6/2/2017 - rmalloy Likes this wine: 93 Points
Excellent. The cassis fruit is still going strong; indeed, it is so deep as to become almost tarry. The nose is full of cedar and spice. Full-bodied and decadent yet serious due to the balanced earthy flavors and the strong tannins. Drinks great now, but I'm not sure it's reached its peak yet; no hurry here.
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2/6/2017 - kman1972 wrote: 94 Points
Fantastic. At its peak. Tannins have softened. Velvety finish. Drink now.
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1/18/2017 - BernieMSY wrote: 93 Points
Medium dark purple, a hint of bricking at the edges. Slight hint of violets on the nose.
Delicious, chewy wine. Densely flavored with great depth of flavor. Tannins still present, but I think this wine has peaked.
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1/7/2017 - no leashes wrote: 90 Points
Drinking beautifully (out of half bottle). Dark fruit, mineral flavors with shiny of earth. Smooth and well balanced.
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12/24/2016 - spectrumphoto wrote: 94 Points
This is drinking great. Its noticeably softer than recent vintages but its also 15 years old. Beautiful representation of Howell Mtn fruit Red Blend with Cab Franc and Cab Sauv. Always a solid wine....
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11/16/2016 - bravo.solares Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very similar to previous bottle, albeit even more youthful. I probably should have waited at least 6-12 more months before drinking (to see how this may evolve). While it is drinking beautifully right now, I will try to cellar my last remaining bottle for at least 2 more yrs, since I suspect more tobacco/leather/earth will emerge.
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10/30/2016 - 55degrees Likes this wine: 91 Points
Lovely dark purplish red. decanted for 1 hour consumed at a dinner party. The cabernet franc dominates this wine with distinctive black tea and dried grape leave notes as primary aromas with secondary fruit peeking through. the palate of dried blackberries, figs and heavier tea notes is pleasing. probably has at least 5 more years. consumed with medium rare filet loin and it was a good pairing.
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9/9/2016 - BernieMSY wrote: 94 Points
Continues to be a terrific wine. Deep purple, deep flavors. Improves in the glass for at least 45 minutes. Latour-like in character. Lingering finish and enough tannins to indicate that perhaps a decade of life lies ahead.
Bought this year's ago based upon a tip of someone I met in Napa. Wish I had bought more.
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8/14/2016 - bravo.solares Likes this wine: 92 Points
Still very good. Visually, less evidence of age than one may think for a 2001 - only slight bricking. Less developed than my previous bottle, in fact. Lovely nose. Black and blue fruit, tobacco. A touch of cigar box. Palate along the same lines of the nose - black and blue fruit, touch of tobacco. Good acidity, moderate alcohol levels for a new world Bordeaux blend. Paired well with rich dishes at Diavola (i.e. charcuterie, pasta with a pork cheek ragu, and trippa a la fiorentina).
Will revisit in 10-12 months. Only two bottles left, sadly.
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8/11/2016 - Shangri-la cellars wrote:
Went bad. Waited too long to drink...
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12/13/2015 - bravo.solares Likes this wine: 93 Points
Decanted for 60 mins, then drank over 2.5 hrs. With hindsight, I would decant for at least 120 mins. Ruby color, plenty of rim variation (brown/orange hue), with slight bricking. Fair amount of sediment. Medium alcohol, medium acidity. Initially plenty of leather, wood, and cigar box on the nose. Fresh pencil shavings, graphite. Then fruit emerged more forcefully, mostly black and red fruit (blackberry, black and red cherry), but also some blue fruit. Some coconut - modest oak. Cassis. Beautifully balanced on the palate: fruit (black and red, some blue), non-fruit characteristics (leather, earth, wood), acidity. Fine tannins, well integrated. Developed wine, but should drink well for at least two or three more yrs, maybe more. Enjoyed tremendously. Happy to have several more bottles. Will revisit in 6-12 months.
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11/8/2015 - daniel.jay wrote: 93 Points
30 min decant - drinking surprisingly young. Good acidity, well integrated tannins, leans more toward red fruits (strawberry, raspberry) than to the dark blue fruits. Plenty of life left.
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7/19/2015 - no leashes wrote: 91 Points
Very tasty fully mature blend, cabernet franc comes through with dark fruit, tar, leather and earth flavors. Well balanced and smooth.
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6/5/2015 - Derek Darth Taster wrote: 93 Points
Over dinner at University Club. Poured into decanter and drank over 2 hours.
Appearance is clear, deep intrnsity, dark ruby with garnet rim. Legs.
Nose is clean, medium+ intensity. Initial intermittent aromas of greeness and cardboard which blew off with air, revealing aromas of dark chocolate, earth, leather, menthol, cedarwood. Creamy chocolate and coconut after 1.5 hours. Developed.
On the palate, dry, medium+ acidity, medium+ (14%) alcohol, finely integrated medium+ tannins, full body. Medium+ flavour intensity, with flavours of dark chocolate, cedarwood, dark red cherries, blueberries, blackberries, blackcurrant, plums, leather, earth. Complex and layered with nice sweet fruit. Long finish. Elegance and refinement rather than blockbusterism.
Very good quality. Drink up over the next 2-3 years. Give it some air before drinking.
55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Cabernet Franc.
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5/28/2015 - SonnyChiba wrote: 94 Points
Beautiful wine. Still on the young side actually! Big amount of cabernet franc and it comes through. Very balanced and elegant, some green and earth notes but dominated by ripe red fruit flavors like cranberry and strawberry, red licorice, so delicious.
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2/20/2015 - Whodeyinsea Likes this wine: 95 Points
Another great Viader. Fruit has mellowed nicely with age. Extremely smooth. ����
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2/5/2015 - normanfekrat Likes this wine: 95 Points
After 14 years in my cellar it is still fantastic but I would recommend drinking now. Tabacoo and leather hints of cherry. Really enjoyed it. Cork was a bit dry but decanted and wine was fine.
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1/25/2015 - BernieMSY wrote: 95 Points
This continues to be a wonderful wine in the sweet spot of its window of drinkability.
Deep purple color, no signs of bricking. Nose is still closed 90 minutes after decanting.
Mild tones of tobacco, and leather undergird the fruit, in which currant predominates. Full-bodied, with balance and structure.
One sip demands another, which is among the highest compliments one can bestow.
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1/2/2015 - pc2006mg wrote: 95 Points
Always amazing! Still drinking quite well over 2 days.....we love this wine!
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12/11/2014 - mtollini wrote: 92 Points
Loved it. It's held up really well but won't last much longer. Cab franc announces itself with lots of spice and cedar. Cab Sauvignon and fruit is there too but less obvious. Really excellent. Have one more bottle coming and will enjoy over the next year for sure.
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11/21/2014 - gf2182 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Holding up extremely well although I believe it's a couple years past cresting. Was still a lovely bottle to drink with slight oxidation but still that strong old world Bordeaux core.
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11/10/2014 - pc2006mg wrote: 94 Points
Just fantastic! Still holding up beautifully after all these years. We just love this wine.
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11/4/2014 - Capybara562 Likes this wine: 90 Points
This was holding up very well, with surprisingly strong red fruit flavors after 13 years in the cellar.
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10/7/2014 - devraj Likes this wine: 92 Points
Reddish purple in color. The nose comes alive after about 30 minutes in the glass with aromas of pipe tobacco, ripe black currant jam, smoky dried herbs vying for attention. A very silky and elegant palate follows through with ripe cassis liqueur, black olives, hint of licorice, medium acidity and a long finish. This has aged quite wonderfully making for an interesting mouthful of wine.
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8/31/2014 - Whodeyinsea Likes this wine:
Great fruit, but still some solid Bordeaux notes. Would suggest at least 3-hrs of breathing before drinking.
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2/8/2014 - foneil wrote: 92 Points
Stellar bottle. Silky tannins perfectly balanced the acid. Eucalyptus and red fruits on the palate with a super long finish.
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12/20/2013 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine: 95 Points
This blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Cabernet Franc was tasted in double-blind fashion, with the bottle kindly provided by D.H. Showing a youthful-appearing opaque ruby color, it offers explosive dark plum, cassis, anise, fig and dried earth aromas. Full-bodied, round and dense on the palate, it has ripe black fruit and mineral flavors which are supported by substantial fine-grained tannins and seamless alcohol (listed as 14%). Solid in the middle and impressively long on the finish, this is nothing other than pure hedonism! Drink now-2026.
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8/3/2013 - AzWineFan Likes this wine: 93 Points
Fantastic Napa blend with some advanced characteristics yet still dominated by youthful fruit. A joy, wish I had more.
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7/1/2013 - BernieMSY wrote: 95 Points
Wonderful. Inky dark purple color, violets on the nose. Nice blackberry fruit, underscored by deep cassis. A lingering finish, medium tannins. A few good,years lie ahead of it. Impressive effort.
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6/5/2013 - oenophilemoose wrote: flawed
Corked....not a happy camper. Cork disintegrated upon opening...purchased at auction and suggests stored improperly previously.
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5/25/2013 - davidandrose Likes this wine: 90 Points
Drank half the bottle reserving the balance for day 2. Definately a mature bordeaux blend that holds to its style. Muted oak, leather, tobacco but the fruit is beginning to dominate. Drink up.
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5/24/2013 - vatausae wrote: 95 Points
Decanted for two hours - smooth smooth smooth with great back end structure - still drinking well.
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5/18/2013 - Senso-beak wrote: 93 Points
Dinner with Bill. Opened and bottle aired for an hour before consumption. Dark ruby with slight brick in the glass, medium to full weight. Nose of cedar, dust, earth, plum and cherry, fantastically smooth and velveteen. Mature sweet fruit very balanced showing cherry, raspberry, blackberry. Long mid-palate and silky finish, a perfect pairing for lamb sliders. Ready to drink now.
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5/12/2013 - sw92130 wrote:
Delicious. Smooth and balanced. Unlikely to improve from here on out, but certainly drinking well right now. Decanted for about an hour and poured back in the bottle for dinner.
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3/24/2013 - mgl wrote: 90 Points
Still drinking nicely.
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3/24/2013 - Feindinger wrote: 90 Points
A bit reserved for a Viader Proprietary Red. Enjoyable to drink now and probably at (or starting to go beyond) its peak. Finish is shorter and more compact than most years. A good but not great effort.
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3/16/2013 - wurzel68 wrote: 91 Points
Umwerfende Nase von roter Beerenfrucht, Eukalyptus- und Mentholnoten, Erde, Kräuteressenz, Vanille; vielschichtiges "Nasenmonster"; am Gaumen feine Tannine, gute Länge, ausgewogen, sehr konzentriert
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3/5/2013 - BernieMSY wrote: 93 Points
Really good. Deep dark color, integrated cassis-dominated flavors. No rough edges present. Very nice wine.
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2/22/2013 - RussK wrote: 91 Points
Russk WW at Lola's. 91-
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1/27/2013 - difran wrote: 90 Points
Got directly from Viader, cork completely dried out, disintegrated, was strewn throughout each glass.
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12/24/2012 - richsd Likes this wine: 92 Points
Viader was one of my favorites in the early 2000s. Have had many of the vintages starting with the 1997. I even had a nice conversation with Deliah Viader. This vintage is still drinking very nicely. The more recent vintages have not been in my favorites but still great wines. I think the 2001 is still great and should be great for a few more years at least as long as the cellar conditions are right.
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12/18/2012 - CarpeVinoDiem Likes this wine: 93 Points
No notes taken.
Perfect provenance (PWSF).
Decanted 1 hr and enjoyed over 2 hrs later.
The best Cab Sauv/Cab Franc blend I have had in a Long time.
Immaculate cork, decent 1/3 cup micro sediment decanted off.
Lt. bricking rim.
Great red, black, and blue fruits with Layers and Layers
of nose and mouth flavors. Lt. eucalyptus and mint and herb.
Nice vanilla. Decent tanning at the end.
Long finish of about 1 minute length.
Went Great with aged tomato pasta with fresh spicy italian sausage on top.
Better than Elivette. Similar to Faust but more flavors with the Cab Franc aspect added in.
Reminds me a bit of a good year Arns , almost Tom Eddy,
and Gun Bun's Reinfarm vineyard.
Recommend decant 2 hrs and pair with medium to big tannin food.
Enjoy now and can likely develop other aspects in a few more yrs,
but drinking LOVELY now.
93 pts.
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11/9/2012 - beaunehead wrote: 91 Points
Beautiful aromas and flavors of ripe black currant and berries with layers of vanilla, eucalyptus and cigarbox notes. Perfect balance of power and elegance, with a long finish. Ready now.
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11/3/2012 - jbehrendt wrote: 94 Points
This was truly an excellent wine. Enjoyed with New York Strip steak. This was still going strong and could have aged form some time yet.
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10/29/2012 - bwillia wrote: 85 Points
Very simple, one dimensional. Completely resolved. Drink up!!
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8/10/2012 - christinag wrote: 95 Points
wine had to spend a little time opening up, but was fabulous after it did.
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7/7/2012 - K28226 wrote: 91 Points
Drink now.
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6/16/2012 - Julius. wrote:
Medium ruby with light rim. Not showing any noticeable bricking. Seductive aromatics include leather, anise, tobacco, black fruits and vanilla. On the palate, black fruits co-mingle with espresso, anise and vanilla. Tannins are alive and well integrated; medium(+) acidity, medium(+) plush yet silky body (crushed velour?) and medium(+) length. In a great spot. Excellent.
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5/21/2012 - jfurey21 wrote: 94 Points
WOW. We love this wine. Had this with prime filet. The drinking window is perfect right now. My guest thought it may be near declining. I have two more, thankfully. Totally velvet with wonderful fruit and completely integrated tannins.
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5/12/2012 - ajfret01 wrote: 92 Points
Very nice aged Cali cab. Still nice fruit and a great finish! I would drink this now
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4/16/2012 - Bakek wrote: 95 Points
Wow. Like drinking velvet. No bite. Still has fruit and an elegant finish.
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4/8/2012 - Sugarb wrote: 93 Points
Prime time for this wine. So balanced and easy to drink. Had with appetizers of wild boar salami, medium Italian cheese, and aged balsamic. The wine's balance complemented all the varied flavors.
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4/4/2012 - CarpeVinoDiem wrote: 93 Points
No notes taken.
Decanted 1 hr. From 375ml bottle.
WOW!!!
Primo black and red fruits with excellent integration, glycerine,
smooth tannins and phemon weight and finish length.
I might have to give this the edge over my Faust and Mondavi Oso Vineyard Cab Sauvs.
Hooked and wish I had more than 1 left.
93 pts.
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3/29/2012 - B&T wrote: 94 Points
This wine continues to kick ass. nothing more needs to be said!
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3/25/2012 - crsprout wrote: 88 Points
Lots of cedar and dust on the nose and initial palate. Still some fruit, but it's mostly gone.
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3/19/2012 - cjet68 wrote: 92 Points
This wine has really developed in the last couple of years. Initially I was disappointed with earlier bottles. This is no longer the case and I am glad I have a few more. Wonderful nose, nice fruit, polished wine with a pleasant finish.
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3/19/2012 - jimyeni wrote: 95 Points
- Crimsom color and aromas of strawberry and has flavours of violet and licorice anise - Strawberry notes followed by nutmeg and licorice with floral notes. Wonderful nose. Elegant on the palette. Showing really well right now.
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2/19/2012 - Fatty Cat wrote: 94 Points
Mid Feb 2012 in restaurant "Schwarzwaldstube, Traube Tonbach": deep purple color; cherry, plum, cassis, noble wood and mint; mellow, smooth Cabernet sweetness on the palate; full body; lush texture; mild tannic, long finish.
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2/15/2012 - Feindinger wrote: 92 Points
Beautiful purple color showing no signs of aging. Silky smooth with integrated yet still present tannin. Fruit was typical black fruits on more mature side but still fresh. Well made and well aged - seems to be at or near peak with 2-4 years left.
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2/4/2012 - Bakek wrote: 90 Points
Was better before, losing fruit, but still not a bad bottle of wine. Drink it now if you have it.
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12/27/2011 - jfurey21 wrote: 93 Points
I have to say this is just a wonderful wine. Had with Christmas dinner (prime rib). Just pure velvet - silky tannins and long lingering finish. This wine is starting to lose a little fruit and is quite nuanced. I give about another two years before it starts going south. Drink now if you have it. I am excited to have three more!!
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12/14/2011 - Dave Dalluge wrote: 91 Points
Piedmont at Tilia's: I poured this blind thinking it might be fun to try to guess. Proved to be a very poor fit after all the old-world wines as this was obviously new-world. The color is blackish-red. The nose gives red fruit, caramel, mint and expresso. On the palate this gives plush dark fruit with a touch of cola. Well balanced, but the flavors are a little flat/lacking intensity. Still showing some mild tannins. Relatively short finish. It's hard to judge as this was clearly out of place at the end of this tasting, but seemed to have a lot of nice attributes if the setting had been better.
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10/20/2011 - Senso-beak wrote: 91 Points
Farewell dinner with BBQ ribs, opened early to breath and served before dinner. Expansive profile of cedar, cassis, vanilla, mocha and dusty cherry, this bottle showed well but not as well as the previous one in May. This perhaps was due to shipping with only 2 weeks rest afterwards. Smooth, velvety, a little short on sweet fruit and length but very enjoyable nonetheless. Notes from memory a week later.
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9/17/2011 - gavinesq wrote: 93 Points
First, use an ah-so remover or something else that treats the cork gently. Our sommelier broke the cork although he was doing nothing abnormal with it. It just split. Loads of upfront blackcurrant, fine oak and well-integrated tannins. Gorgeous dark ruby with no discernible bricking and a beautiful nose with cedar and hints of chocolate. Drinking beautifully now; the window is open and perfect. It might still have some time, but if you have any, don't be afraid to open it.
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7/2/2011 - Wino from Michigan wrote: 95 Points
WOW WOW -- amazing --- this was just perfect. Great structure great fruit, lasting flavors throughout the palate -- wish I had more!!!
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6/25/2011 - pepeelvis wrote:
drank beutifully, with precise fruit
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5/29/2011 - B&T wrote: 94 Points
This is drinking fabulously. We had the '02 a couple weeks ago, but this '01 is just so much more right now. Amazing nose expressing dark fruit, silky smooth entry and a great finish. Fantastic!
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5/26/2011 - sw92130 wrote:
This wine was delicious, but best to drink now.
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5/1/2011 - Senso-beak wrote: 94 Points
Perfectly stored since release. Opened 2 hrs. early to pair with Viader's excellent lamb sliders recipe, this reveals a solid crimson with no fading. Initial notes as follows: aromatics include a lovely floral, bright pure cherry fruit, black currant, a sandalwood component and an earthy black olive element. Silky smooth from the get go, full bodied and elegant. Fruit has matured but with plenty of presence still. Ahhh, what's that saying about the best laid plans....? Dinner turned into a disaster. Got carried away with the first mow of the season and got in late to start dinner, our 2 yr. old had a melt down so she had dinner early which prompted more issues during our dinner, and I ended up charring the sliders way too much. C'est la vie. The wine was the best part of the whole deal....a few hours post open much is the same but the fruit/finish has expanded, both on the nose and palate, encompassing a full berry melange of ripe cherry, ripe raspberry, with a citric high end, licorice note as well. Sweet and round, no hard edges, the finish cranks through with fine grained tannins. Drinking very well at present. Look forward to the next attempt at Viader sliders with a bottle. Day two + under vac-u-vin shows a more neutralized Viader, less complexity and nuance. I believe now is the drinking window on this.
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4/29/2011 - Stinky7 wrote: 93 Points
Very good. Taste of plum smooth almost creamy finish
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4/25/2011 - Tonythefish wrote: 71 Points
Wine was skunked
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4/15/2011 - edjBoca wrote: 90 Points
Smooth and mature.....
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2/20/2011 - edjBoca wrote: 92 Points
This has really evolved with more secondary flavors. Medium to full body. Smooth, integrated and somewhat long. This is the best bottle yet. Mature, but not fading. Some initial ratings really missed on this wine.
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1/18/2011 - huntinpagan wrote: 88 Points
Popped and poured. Medium purple color sort of a garnet hue. Dry berries on the nose. A bit dusty and a hint of clove. Light to medium body. Flavors tending to red berries/strawberries. Some cloves, leather, and light tannins. Turns dry on the finish. Drink up now.
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11/24/2010 - lynarthur wrote: 92 Points
Excellent wine. Drinking really well right now. Great balance and not too big. Great with steak.
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11/18/2010 - Wino from Michigan wrote: 94 Points
What a treat -- this wine has been perfectly aged and is tasting great! The fruit was alive on the nose and the taste was equally as exsiting -- loved this wine -- drink now I think at its apex.
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11/7/2010 - Double D wrote: 92 Points
This has aged nicely. very smooth dark fruit and well balanced, suspect the balance should be comsumed over the next year however.
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7/13/2010 - clericjohnbrown wrote: 88 Points
Dark fruit, earthy cassis, subtle spice, and leather. Dry, chalky palate with some nice weight and a soft cocoa finish. A nice wine, albeit a little dried out.
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5/30/2010 - pc2006mg wrote: 92 Points
Incredible nose and soft palate. Amazingly consistent wine year after year.
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5/16/2010 - jbehrendt wrote: 92 Points
Really enjoyed this with filet mignon at daughter's birthday dinner. Velvety and balanced.
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3/21/2010 - TheEngineer wrote: 90 Points
2001 Viader Red - Very nice, structure, solid fruit but lacking in some of the elegance of the Cain Five.
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3/6/2010 - dontime wrote: 88 Points
Nose of damp earth and nuts. More of the same in the mouth with hints of licorice and cocco. Was the fruit ever there or is it just gone? Smooth finish lacking tannins. I probably should have bought the 03 that was also available.
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2/28/2010 - B&T wrote: 94 Points
Silky smooth goodness from Ms. Viader. Simply lovely.
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2/22/2010 - MarkC Likes this wine: 90 Points
Forgot to take a note at the time, but I remember this being a very enjoyable bottle of wine. (So much so that my friend chased down Delia and bought some from the library.)
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1/2/2010 - mbalk wrote: 91 Points
Glad I drank it this yr. definitely at end of its life. tannins gone- smooth, velvety and well balanced
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12/27/2009 - savjrb2012 wrote: 80 Points
consumed after opening. Initially very tight nose with typical boudeaux type nose of leather and oak. medium body. Decanted and continued to taste over the next 3 hours without much improvement. Lacking on the the front end and finish, sharpness on the mid palate. Off balance.
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12/20/2009 - scuderia vino wrote: 91 Points
Velvet, mocha and just plain nice. Would drink now b/c it doesn't seem any more age will do anything positive to this wine.
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11/7/2009 - Daddybush wrote: 86 Points
decanted for 2.5 hours. fell flat on its face. nice bouquet but once the wine was in your mouth, it was an average $20 wine. finish was poor. would not buy this again.
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10/10/2009 - ed-d wrote: 92 Points
Dark color. Smoke & dark roast coffee over dark berry aromas with a slight vegetal element. Lean, cool red berry flavors with soft tannins & a gravel element on the palate. Lean, but not mean.
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9/6/2009 - zinfidel wrote: 93 Points
From magnum, decanted 3 hours. Dark purple with slight browning at the edges. Initial signature cab franc nose of black olive and green pepper (not surprising at 45% cab franc), but no green on palate. Initial green note fades to reveal complex and layered black currant, plum, violets, wintergreen and licorice. Nice velvety mouthfeel. Oak is fully integrated at this point. Ready to drink, but be sure and decant.
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8/28/2009 - jjtarnow wrote: 92 Points
Great mouth feel, velvety and smooth. Licorice, mellon, and incredible viscocity. Let it breath for about 1-2 hours...worth it. Not sure how much more time in the celler the '01 needs...enjoy!
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8/25/2009 - NomadicEntrepreneur wrote:
nice tannins, took a long time to open up (90 mins)
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8/9/2009 - tkoby11 wrote: 92 Points
Color: Black, dark purple...almost inky.
Nose: A black currant bonanza! Spicy cedar and some funk hung out around the massive black currant perfume.
Palate: Surprise, lots of black currants, some black cherry, sweet tobacco, very full bodied. Everything is in balance for such a large wine. Still youthful. The finish was long and slightly one dimensional...it almost belly flopped on the palate as opposed to fanning out.
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7/2/2009 - wineismylife wrote: 89 Points
WIML89+
Tasted July 2, 2009.
Opened and served immediately. Dark garnet color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of violets, raspberries and cherries. Flavors of boysenberries, balsamic and dark cherries. Medium acidity, tannns and body. Drink over the short term.
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6/6/2009 - last chance wrote: 89 Points
A long weekend in Seaside, OR; 6/5/2009-6/7/2009 (Seaside, OR): Nose of red fruits, leather, and a woodsy or loamy-like smell. A little heat was also evident upon opening. The palate had plummy flavors with that loamy-like note being present again. I'm not sure how to best describe it, but it's just not up my alley. Medium bodied wine with a medium length finish. Still has some tannins left, and at times it had a nice mouth-watering finish, but it didn't last. My last bottle of Viader, and that's OK.
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5/10/2009 - krobb wrote: 90 Points
Full-bodied wine, concentrated with layers of black currents, layers of chocolate, hints of licorice, anise, earth and leather and holds a long, complex, and lingering aftertaste. Full bouquet with rich everlasting core of red and black fruits and violet-like aromas
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4/28/2009 - blaine wrote:
Drink up!
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1/10/2009 - idrinkvino wrote: 91 Points
Great spice and lift to this Cab/Franc blend. Excellent, but I'd estimate this is on it's last leggs.
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11/18/2008 - InterroVino wrote: 91 Points
past its prime, should have been drank 1-3 years ago, most flavor and fruit has gone
Does show potential for having had complexity in youth
Black cherries, cassis, hints of earthy tar and cigar
It is possible that the wine is simply in a dumb phase and will revitalize within several months
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11/17/2008 - J-Sho wrote: 90 Points
Bordeaux like nose with dark current, earth, and graham cracker. Palate with moderate complexity and integrated tannins but not as good as other vintages. Moderate long finish.
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11/2/2008 - pgordon62 wrote: 86 Points
Shy nose of mocha, dried tobacco and dusty rock. Bitter sweet chocolate and more of that leafiness on the palate and through the finish. Silky, medium bodied but with a little bitter tannin and pronounced acidity on the finish. Competent but nothing notable nor distinguished. A poster child for over priced Napa Cab.
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10/23/2008 - leadpencil wrote: 89 Points
Dark red, medium bodied. Blueberry, cherry, chocolate. Soft and approachable with a hint of minerality.
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10/12/2008 - dionysis wrote: 91 Points
Much, much better than I expected it to be. I thought it had plenty of soft red fruit, leather, and oak, and agree with others that it is an excellent food wine. Part of this is due to the fact that it is a little hollow on the mid palate, as others have suggested -- almost like that cup of coffee that you have added a little too much water to -- the underlying effect is there, but it is a little dilluted. Still -- a nice, smooth enjoyable red that is ready to drink.
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9/20/2008 - schnittle wrote: 94 Points
Amazing. Had with dinner. Ribeyes, tomota pie and spinach salad. Courtney and Mike bought this for my 40th 2 years ago so having it with them was great.
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4/19/2008 - budman wrote: 90 Points
Dark fruit and coffee notes. Nice wine, but not worth the price of admission!!!
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4/17/2008 - win wrote: 88 Points
More open than the previous bottle -- medium to light bodied. Really wondering how much longer this will age.
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4/17/2008 - facchair wrote: 93 Points
A very nice wine. Need to drik up, it has reached the top.
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12/26/2007 - vinole wrote: 90 Points
South Florida WS Forum Offline (Hollywood, FL): Prominent red fruit flavors and higher than expected acidiity. Nicely balanced wine, but fairly light for a CA cab blend (medium body), this is geared more as a food wine.
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12/25/2007 - cbbrown3 wrote: 92 Points
Dark ruby color. Licorice, worn leather, dried herbs, cassis, blackberries on the opulent nose. Medium body with sweet, ripe tannins and very good acidity. Rich on the palate with dried herbs, cassis, blackberries, minerals, and a hint of oak. Good length on the finish with the spicy fruit and dried herbs slowly giving way to a bit of oak. Outstanding!
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12/16/2007 - brianofthevine wrote: 92 Points
Creamy black cherry with chocolate notes, smooth tannins, long finish.
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11/23/2007 - David S wrote: 90 Points
smooth, complex, not as big as a remembered - thanksgiving 07
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11/4/2007 - facchair wrote: 94 Points
Leathers/Reid Dinner Party - Bold as they say, the hit of the evening. Excellent finish.
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8/18/2007 - beaunehead wrote: 92 Points
from Magnum. Deeply colored and concentrated, with almost syrupy sweet fruit on the attack. Redolent of raspberry, black currant, blackberry, cassis and muré liqueurs, and espresso. Smooth tannins and a long, supple finish. Delicious! Should hold for another 5-8 years.
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5/20/2007 - wmbar wrote: 90 Points
This was a great surprise. Brilliant, fulfilling and seductive.
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5/12/2007 - duchamp wrote: 91 Points
Dark, dark red, limited bouquet of oxidized fruit and burnt red currants, however, very suave on the palate with smooth, balanced velvety structure, not tons of complexity but hints of earth and tar, short finish
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4/22/2007 - vintage61 wrote: 91 Points
Still quite young, but very good wine. Questionable value, or I need to adjust my frame of reference.
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4/21/2007 - win wrote: 87 Points
Tasted at large dinner party. Minimal notes. Still tannic and closed.
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4/21/2007 - wineismylife wrote: 87 Points
Dallas Offline - April 2007 (MikeB's house in North Dallas, TX): WIML87-88,WA87,WS84
Tasted April 21, 2007 at an offline. Tasted from bottle one of two bottles in a Spiegelau Authentus Magnum glass. Purple color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of black berries, dried herbs, anise, maybe a little plum and the goofy balsalmic aroma. Primary red berry flavors with a little red currant. Light to medium acidity, tannins and body. Drink over the short term.
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4/14/2007 - davidandrose wrote: 91 Points
Restaurant purchase, from .375. Decanted and consumed over 75 minutes. Deep color, cigar aroma with leather and pine cones. The Cab Franc component is evident but not overpowering in its sweet black fruits. Smooth and well-integrated, with a slightly peppered flavor and a hint of oak breaking through an otherwise great wine. Finish lasted about 20 seconds.
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3/15/2007 - WineForRob wrote: 90 Points
Nice blackberry nose. Not as full bodied or velvety in the mouth as the 02. Nice flavors with more grip than the 02 but not as nicely balanced. Good finish to a nice wine.
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10/14/2006 - crobbins wrote: 91 Points
Classic Viader.........velvety smooth.
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9/4/2006 - Winetex wrote: 88 Points
This is a wine that was much better on release. The herbal quality has taken over the wine to its detriment. Very singular flavors without much complexity but still pleasant to drink. [Decanted 30 minutes and needed it; Drinking well now; wouldn't hold this one]
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7/2/2006 - AndrewSGHall wrote:
Hit the spot I wanted. Leathery and oaky on the top with dark fruit playing a strong role. A bit prickly and volatile, but nice acids and good body w/o sweetness or flab. Somewhat sloppy fruit and no precision whatsoever, even balsamic notes involved. Nonetheless, what are really flaws produced something very jucy and spicy which did exactly what I wanted with a big steak and sides.
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6/23/2006 - win wrote: 92 Points
Deep red in color, with elegrant flavors of deep cherry with refined hint of oak. Medium bodied and very smooth. Drink over next 5 - 7 years. Purchased directly from winery.
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1/11/2006 - Winetex wrote: 89 Points
89 with some potential for improvement. A very nice wine with bright red fruit flavors, an herbal element and reasonable balance. Unfortunately it had a hole in the mid-palate that detracted from the overall wine. [~$70 on release; Decanted about an hour and needed it; Drinking well now but tastes young; Short-term hold OK]
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12/27/2005 - Greg W wrote: 92 Points
On our way to Napa tomorrow, so thought we'd empty a bottle from Napa tonight. Read many notes on this wine, mostly average at best, so we didn't have high expectations. Well.....expectations far exceeded. Beautiful dark purple color. Fine nose of ripe berries and chocolate. On the palate, concentrated fruit - lots of crushed red berries, with note of milk chocolate, plums, and just a touch of earth. Nice balance and feel - tannins moderately powerful, but in line wth the concentration of fruit, made for a good combination. Only slight drawback to the wine tonight was the length of the finish, which was medium, but was also smooth and powerful in its relatively short (in comparison to the fruit concentration) time. Incidentally, my wife did not enjoy it, as she thought it was too tannic and out of balance. Oh well, must be one of those wines....
Now onto Napa - visits to Carlisle, Smith-Madrone, Shafer and Vineyard 29 on tap, with others thrown in I'm quite sure....
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12/8/2005 - win wrote: 91 Points
Much smoother this time, and much more complex. Very approachable. I can see why Delia thinks this wine is very "feminine." From 750 ml.
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12/7/2005 - win wrote: 88 Points
Somewhat closed--still very tannic. Nice legs, good color, but not what I remembered from the winery. Tasted from a 375 ml (last one).
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12/3/2005 - BradA wrote: 85 Points
The most average wine of the night...ripe fruit dominated by alcohol... after the other beauties, this was outclassed. It had a hollow midpalate, thin finish and hot close--I wouldn't be a buyer.
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11/1/2005 - shaferguy91 wrote: 90 Points
Not decanted. It was drinking better after an hour in the glass.
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10/17/2005 - MarkC wrote: 90 Points
Warmed up to this one after some time in the glass. Initially quite a bit of earthiness, with some sage/cedar going on and almost raw wood on the nose. However, as it sat in the glass the bouquet let go with some nice red fruits and a better balance of the cedar. On the palate this showed raspberry, strawberry, some roasted fruits, and a bit of mocha/chocolate. Don't know that this will get any better, but very enjoyable now.
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10/15/2005 - 6831 wrote: 87 Points
There's a hole in my wine! This is weird but the midpalate on this one seems hollow. There is a brief rush of red fruit on the inital taste...then nothing...then a bit more fruit, mild tannins and sweet oak on the finish. Not a bad wine, but I wish I'd spent my $65 on something else. The 95 Viader remains my benchmark from this producer so far.
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10/12/2005 - Mike V wrote: 88 Points
Amazing but I still think the 98 is better.
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8/1/2005 - Mark wrote: 89 Points
Overal a nice jammy CA cab. Mild raspberry, cassis, cherry mixed with oak and vanilla. Soft tannins. I thought the wine was a bit light in mouth feel and soft in style overall. I expected a bit more weight at this age, but am thinking that this vintage of Viader is just a softer styled wine overall.
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6/20/2005 - scravis wrote:
I agree with the mild balsamic on the nose but I did not find it off putting and this definitely faded after 3 hours in the decanter. Nice mediumebody with good mouth feel. Could still pick up a touch of balsamic on the palate, which I thought was pleasant and not a fault, along with ripe blueberry. Moderately long finish with perceptable tannin but drinking very well now. This is my first Viader and I do not believe it deserves a score in the low 80's. I would give it a solid 90.
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4/9/2005 - AndrewSGHall wrote:
Re previous note - was divine with steaks. Much more restrained, well-framed and softer than previous. Leather and earthy notes, good fruit w/o being dominant. Slight V/A notes, but combined to be pleasant with the solid acidic backbone and dry finish. Absolutely perfect for dinner outside w/ steaks.
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11/21/2004 - TGHaddon wrote:
Ripe, jammy style with a touch of mint and graphite over cassis base. Jammy palate, loaded with ripe tannin, oddly seems almost unstructured. After a promising start finishes very poorly and really isn't very appealing.
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12/17/2003 - R2-D2 wrote: 87 Points
Caramel, Roasted Coffee, plum, cherry, cassis aromas and tastes, yet simple bright fruit with no real depth.
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11/7/2003 - R2-D2 wrote: 95 Points
Wow! An entoxicating deep nose full of dark cocoa, sweet ripe berries, cassis, cotton candy, tar and earth aromas. This balanced full bodied wine has rich red fruit coating the entire palate and chewy sweet tannin. Lead pencil, smokey oak, tobacco, and caramel captivate your taste buds on the long finish. This is better than the 01 Neal and on par (yet different) than 01 Pride. This can only get better with time.
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10/1/2003 - AndrewSGHall wrote:
Yum. Beautiful CA cab. Rich and full fruit with strong tannic body. Great drinking all through and will be divine with steaks. Have two bottles on hold. Tasted at Gentiles 10/1/03
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9/12/2003 - La Cave d'Argent wrote: 93 Points
Tasted at the Vintage Wines, Ltd. tasting bar. Bright disc. Opaque black robe with purple rim. Clean nose, showing moderately intense aromas of currants, black cherries, plums, roasted herbs, underbrush and vanilla. Full-bodied on the palate, with big ripe tannins, medium acidity and similar flavors as for the nose. Long, smooth finish.
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