2003 VIADER

Cab Sauv 75%, Cab Franc 25%

The Wine: The VIADER blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc captures an ideal balance between the two varietals; the Cabernet Franc contributes to early approachability and the Cabernet Sauvignon provides long aging potential.

Released: January 1, 2006

Harvest: Sept 24 to Oct 9 2003

Growing Notes: Beginning with a series of early heat spikes in March, followed by the wettest April on record. Continuing with a nice cool summer allowed the fruit flavors to evolve beautifully ahead of sugar accumulation. Long “hang-time” on the vine brought balanced phenolics/acidity levels. Our estate vineyards are farmed using organically certified materials and we have been farming bio-dynamically since 2002

Production: 1500

Winemaking Notes: We use extended maceration on hand selected lots of our most promising fruit and allow malo-lactic fermentation to occur in barrel. The wine spends a minimum of 23 months in new French oak barrels in our underground caves. Our wine regime usually calls for racking every 12 - 14 weeks, so there is no need for fining or filtration. Our philosophy is to allow the grapes and terroir (all factors that influence the character of grapes grown in a specific microclimate) to express naturally in every glass of Viader.

Tasting Notes: The 2003 VIADER showcases the best the vintage has to offer: intense, upfront, concentrated dark fruit notes laced with licorice, chocolate, anise, earth and leather. Lingering, complex tannins firm up in the finish which is rounded by powerful floral aromas of blackberry, blueberry and mint. Although quite approachable now bottle aging will further develop bouquet and complexity. This powerful gem will continue to age superbly over the next two decades. Cheers! To a wonderfully elegant mountain beauty!