64% Petit Verdot, 16% Cab Sauv, 20% Cab Franc

The Wine: “V” originates on the vertically planted slopes of the Viader Estate. Located on the northeast side of Saint Helena, the vineyards sit atop 1,200 feet on Howell Mountain. Our Petit Verdot vines face northwest on exposed rocky terrain, which limits yields while forcing the grapes to fully ripen under an acceptable amount of duress.

Released: January 2006

Harvest:

Growing Notes: Beginning with a series of early heat spikes in March, followed by the wettest April on record and 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: 400

Winemaking Notes: The lots for “V” are hand-selected and vinified separately with the use of long extended maceration. We allow malolactic fermentation to occur only in the barrel. “V” is aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels. The 2003 vintage produced less than 400 cases.

Tasting Notes: “V” is an exclusive VIADER blend with a primary focus on Petit Verdot rounded up with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Each year, differing amounts of these varietals are carefully selected to create a blend that best expresses the character and nature of the VIADER Estate. “V” is intended to highlight the sophistication of Petit Verdot as a varietal. Petit Verdot imparts deep color, tannin and piquant spice to the blend. Cabernet Sauvignon maintains the balance and a smaller percentage of Cabernet Franc adds plushness to the finish. The result of this unique combination is a vibrant, sumptuous wine with a powerful but inviting presence.