WINEMAKER'S NOTES:
The precocious and playful 2022 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is so full of youthful exuberance. Intense aromas of black fig, chocolate covered cherries, and silky cassis leap from the glass. Spice notes of cardamom, Tahitian vanilla, and anise intertwine with the dark fruit notes to give complexity and nuance. With time in the decanter, the lush and silky texture unfolds, enveloping the palate like fine cashmere. This comely and versatile wine will pair effortlessly with a multitude of cuisines
TASTING NOTES:
Historically, Cliff Lede produced a Stags Leap District-focused Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, but by 2021, they recognised the challenge of offering a Stags Leap wine under $100. As a result, they transitioned their estate Stags Leap fruit into the Rhythm bottling, expanded their Poetry bottling, and introduced a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon priced at $80. "The transition to an appellated wine was about crafting more estate-grown wines for Cliff Lede while also creating a sub-$100 offering that punches above its weight class," says Jason Lede. The core of this wine remains Stags Leap fruit, supplemented with grapes from Calistoga, Oakville, Rutherford, and Howell Mountain. The blend also includes 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec, with the wine aged 21 months in 72% new French oak. This is the second release of this wine and a solid expression from the challenging 2021 vintage. It showcases the warmth and generosity of the year, with spiced plum, cassis, and black cherry fruit accented by nuances of cola nut and saddle leather. Medium- to full-bodied, the palate features gentle, well-integrated tannins with a dark cacao character, finishing long with violets, cherry compote, and hints of tobacco and sage.
- Decanter, 94 pts.
