WINES TASTED:

 Viader
1990 Viader Cabernet
1991 Viader Cabernet
1992 Viader Cabernet
1993 Viader Cabernet
1994 Viader Cabernet
1995 Viader Cabernet
1993 Cheval-Blanc
1995 Le Petite Cheval 

Chateau Montelena
1979 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay (mag)
1985 Chateau Montelena Cabernet
1986 Chateau Montelena Cabernet (mag)
1987 Chateau Montelena Cabernet (mag)
1990 Chateau Montelena Cabernet
1991 Chateau Montelena Cabernet
1992 Chateau Montelena Cabernet
1993 Chateau Montelena Cabernet
1994 Chateau Montelena Cabernet
1995 Chateau Montelena Cabernet
1996 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Barrel Sample
1997 Chateau Montelena Cabernet New Oak B/S
1997 Chateau Montelena Cabernet 3-yr Oak B/S
1997 Chateau Montelena Cabernet 6-yr Oak B/S
1991 Flora Springs Cabernet Rutherford Reserve
1992 Flora Springs Cabernet Rutherford Reserve
1993 Flora Springs Cabernet Rutherford Reserve
1994 Flora Springs Cabernet Rutherford Reserve
1991 Etude Cabernet
1992 Etude Cabernet
1993 Etude Cabernet
1994 Etude Cabernet

Togni
1997 Cabernet B/S

Our ranks were dwindling.

Undaunted, we motored over to Napa for our first appointment in the hills east of St. Helena.

Delia Viader is a most impressive woman: intelligent, educated, vivacious and witty . She is constructing a production facility on the estate, and now greets visitors at her home, which overlooks the vineyards and commands a breathtaking view of the valley.

Delia Viader

Delia and her assistant, Jennifer, greeted us. They were prepared for our arrival with a vertical of her wines, as well as assorted breads and cheeses. We tasted from older to younger, chatting with Delia about her wines, the estate, and the challenges of a woman trying to make her mark on the wine culture of the Napa Valley. She is very much aware of her status as a "newcomer", and I think is careful to treat her neighbors and colleagues respectfully – not because it is expedient to do so, but because it is her nature.

Nevertheless, I also suspect that if push comes to shove – she wouldn’t budge an inch.

The wines were very impressive (but not exactly breakfast style!). After tasting through her six vintages (less the 89), we walked out onto her back deck, and from there, just a few steps to the vineyards.

Russell and Paul Silberbush in Delia’s vineyard (Photo courtesy of Greg Ellis)

We discussed the difficulties encountered while trying to develop the property, not the least of which is the terrain. The vineyard slopes toward the valley floor at a frightening angle, raising the issue of erosion when cultivated. Happily, all these matters seem to have been settled to the satisfaction of all.

Delia is, I also think, amused by the image of her as some Napa Wine "Femme Fatale". She laughs as she talks about articles of her clothing destined for auction being stolen before the big Napa Valley event. This lady does not take herself, or anything else, too seriously – and I admire her for that. She is a firmly grounded person, with an obviously strong sense of herself and what she wants to accomplish.

My good friend Judson was obviously smitten (as were all the men), and I’m afraid the talk of undergarments actually caused him to swoon!! Fortunately, Ms. Viader (talented lady that she is) was right there to successfully resuscitate Judson, to the great relief (and amusement) of all.

Delia saving the life of Judson Byrn

As you can tell, the longer we stayed, the lighter the tone of the visit became. We were soon chatting like old friends. We happily purchased some 750s and magnums of the 95, then took some more group photos.

The Babes

We thanked our hosts profusely, and reluctantly took our leave. We had another appointment in Calistoga.