Viader Vineyards is on the slopes of Howell Mountain. It was founded in 1986 by Delia Viader, who was born in Argentina and educated in Europe before earning graduate degrees in the U.S. The estate’s 23-acre vineyard is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Syrah. Viader is known for its Bordeaux-style blends. Viader typically receives complimentary reviews and scores in the 90s. California Wine Writer James Suckling has noted that at Viader “quality is very high; the wine is distinctive, complex and elegant.”
Yountville AVA is just west of Stags Leap and north of Oak Knoll. It is centered around the town of Yountville, named for George Yountville, who planted the area’s first vineyard in 1836. The district received appellation status in 1999 and it includes 4,000 vineyard acres. It is known for tannic Cabernet Sauvignon that has a reputation for aging well. Dominus Estate, formerly Napanook Vineyard, is one of the most prestigious producers in Yountville, and in all of Napa Valley.
One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.