2017 VIADER “Black Label”
The 2017 Red Blend Black Label is a more complex blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Syrah, 12% Malbec, and the rest Cabernet Franc. It has a touch more flesh and baby fat than the classic Bordeaux blend and gives up lots of black fruits, road tar, dark chocolate, and a whiff of espresso. Playing in the medium to full-bodied end of the spectrum, the Syrah and Malbec fill out the mid-palate nicely, and it has present yet ripe tannins, good overall balance, and a great finish. It’s a better drink today than the classic Viader, but it will be fun to compare these two wines in another decade.
– Jeb Dunnuck (1/31/2020)