2013 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District
First of the two Cabs we received from Cliff Lede. Tasted upon opening and noted that it needed some air, it was tight and overly tannic. Same with the Stardust Heaven. Deep and dark ruby red with an almost black core. Still tight on the nose, slightly savory with some black cherries on the nose. Opened up with some chalk and soft dark fruits. Moderate tannins (7/10) with a full body. Lots of dark fruits with some vanilla and good acidity. Still a bit of heat even on day two. Long finish with some spicy and vegetal notes. A little dry too. Definitely needs some more time but was more approachable in its youth than the Stardust Heaven.
Entry level Cabernet Sauvignon from Cliff Lede Vineyards. The fruit for this Cabernet is mainly sourced from the hillside terraces of their Poetry Vineyard as well as their Twin Peaks Vineyard and a few other vineyards within the Stags Leap District appellation. The soil types among these vineyards such as exposed volcanic rocky terraces to ancient riverbed alluvial soils. All the fruit was hand harvested before being subjected to their vigorous three-tied sorting system. After the best grapes were selected they are delivered into specially designed truncated tanks via gravity. All fruit is cold soaked for around five days before fermentation that was assisted by a combination of pumpovers and délestage (rack and returns). Additionally this bottling went through an extended maceration ranging from four to five weeks. This is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 6% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Merlot. Aged for twenty-one months in 50% new French oak barrels. 6,138 cases produced and 14.9% alcohol.
2016 till 2028.
Price Point:
$$$ - Sample provided by the Estate. Right now the 2012 is for sale from the Estate for $75.00.