VIADER® Vineyards & Winery, Napa Valley

A vineyard, a wine, a family, a legacy

DARE

DARE by VIADER Cabernet Franc Recommended in Dallas’ D Magazine Online

What to Drink Now: American Wine

Some of the finest wines made here, in the United States, are made by first-generation Americans. Individuals who have embraced our country, and our terroir, producing premium products that display their passion. Let’s raise a glass to this country and to the people who make it great. Here are a few to consider.

Argentinian-born Delia Viader arrived in Napa after grad school, settling on the land her Spanish father had purchased on Howell Mountain the 1980s. Almost instantly, wine became her passion. Viader “Dare” Cabernet Franc captures violet, licorice, and spice.

2015 DARE by Viader Cabernet Franc Receives 93 Points in Cabernet Franc Report featured on Oregon Live

Cabernet Franc: It’s Not Just For Blending Anymore

One of the reasons why Cabernet Franc is so interesting is because of its historical significance. It’s one of the most important varieties in France, particularly in Bordeaux, and the Loire Valley, where Cabernet Franc reigns supreme. The grape is often used for Bordeaux blends, but it shows exceptionally well bottled as a single varietal–which is why it’s time to celebrate Cabernet Franc’s diversity around the world. The grape is wondrous in so many places, from France, and Italy, to the United States, Hungary, Canada, Argentina, Chile, Bulgaria, South Africa, Spain, Slovenia, Croatia, New Zealand, and China, and of course, right here in Oregon.

So if you’re looking to sample some of the top producers around the world, I’ve listed some favorites recently tasted. Each showcase a sense of place, and uniqueness that each location brings to the table.

Recommended Cabernet Franc Producers:

2015 DARE® by Viader Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley, California

93 Points

This is a silky yet weighty Cabernet Franc with layers of violets, red fruits, currant and plum notes, balanced by vegetal flavors of tomato, and green pepper. It finishes strong, with spice, black pepper, and cedar notes. Sold exclusively at the winery.

2009 DARE by Viader

Deep ruby color, aromas of roasted cherries, with high notes of anise seed, cedar, graphite. On the palate it is bright, energetic, lush, with a good round middle, silky texture, and tightlywoven tannins. Elegance carries through start to finish.

Brix: 23.2-25.2º

2012 DARE by Viader

Sweet ripe red and black fruits dominate both the palate and the nose. Bing cherry, raspberry, plum. Chocolate. Softer herbal notes of lavender, tarragon, fennel, and anise. Violets, creme brulee, and pencil shavings (classic characteristic of this varietal). Silky smooth, viscous, medium-bodied, fruit-forward, with a very soft finish. Extremely approachable. Drink now or over the next 5 years.

2014 DARE by VIADER

Vibrant nose with ripe cherry, sugar plum, anise, graphite. Red fruits and bright acidity on the palate. Sweet gripping tannins have a velour-like texture. The finish is long with extended flavors of baking spices and sweet oak tannins.

Brix at harvest: 25-26°

2013 DARE by Viader

Explosive aromatics showing dark red fruits and layers of tobacco, graphite, and baking spices. Lush, sweet juicy red fruits, chocolate, and caramel coat the palate. Full-bodied and impressive, the silky mouthfeel leaves you with mouthwatering acidity and a touch of fresh sage on the finish. Extremely approachable. Drink now or over the next 5 years.

Brix at harvest: 26.4°