2009 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District, 3L
available
Wine Specs
Vintage
2009
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation
Stags Leap District
Alcohol %
14.9
Wine Profile
Vineyard Notes
The fruit was sourced from our estate Twin Peaks Ranch, as well as the hillside terraces of our Poetry vineyard. The wine is composed of small lots from many of our best blocks, representing a diverse range of carefully selected rootstocks and clones. From exposed, rocky terraces to heavier alluvial soils, the breadth of contributing sites translates into a wine of impressive complexity.
Production Notes
The grapes were picked in the darkness of the early morning hours, and immediately subjected to rigorous selection by our three-tiered hand sorting process. The whole berries were gently delivered to tank by our crane system, minimizing disruption of berry integrity. Cold soaks lasted approximately five days, and fermentations were managed via a combination of delestage, pumpovers, and punchdowns. Extended maceration ranging from three to four weeks fine-tuned our tannin profiles, allowing us to build mouth feel and wine complexity. The wine was aged in 60% new French oak for seventeen months.
Winemaker Notes
Intense blackberry liqueur and espresso bean develop into rose and truffle oil aromas as the wine opens. Creamy and opulent, flavors of semi-sweet chocolate, mocha, and plum layer the front and mid-palate. A beam of fresh minerality (archetypal Stags Leap District character) frames the long silky finish. Decanting is recommended. Revisit over 24 hours as new layers develop with time.