"Liquid Cashmere" is an apt description of Viadia wines.
Aged 24 months in French barrels (68% new barrels). Grown on a steep east-facing slope on the way to Howell Mountain AVA, this wine has a rich flavor with firm tannins, but is also soft and gentle like cashmere thanks to the large amount of Cabernet Franc blended in. It has a long finish and can be enjoyed immediately, but it can also be expected to age well.
Vintage Information
The 2018 growing season saw abundant rainfall in February, which encouraged good vine development and resulted in even fruit set and a good yield.
Summer was a time of abundant sunshine during the day and a cooling ocean influence meant we didn't suffer from heat waves.
Long hours of sunshine and moderate heat in autumn provided ideal conditions for the fruit to develop sugar levels at a leisurely pace and develop complex flavours.
The harvest took place over a six week period.
Technical information
Harvest period: September 26th to October 10th, harvested at night
Vinification: The wine was aged for an extended period (average 52 days) using a combination of concrete tanks, French casks and stainless steel tanks.
The wine is then transferred to French barrels (68% new) and aged on the lees for 11 months.
During the first six months, the wine is gently batonnaged (stirred) - something that is unusual for red wine.
It was aged in barrels for a total of 23 months.
Tasting Comments
It has an attractive aroma of black currant and baked blackberry layered with dried flowers, crushed lavender and licorice, and a smooth, silky palate with ripe, fine-grained tannins that give it great concentration and complexity, making it beautifully elegant in style and remarkably balanced.
The finish offers dark chocolate shavings, cardamom spice, cigar box and floral bouquet, with a mouth-watering acidity.
In short, a beautiful mountain jewel.
It can be drunk over 10 to 15 years from the vintage.
Please allow to age for at least 5 years before drinking.
Vintage: 2018
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Full-bodied
Main variety: Cabernet Sauvignon 53%
Blend Variety: Cabernet Franc 47%
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Napa Valley
Vineyard: Viader Estate
Note: Limited quantity available
Winemaker: Alan Viader
Vinification: Concrete tuns, French barrels and stainless steel tanks
Aging: 23 months in French barrels (68% new barrels)
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.9%