2011 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District, 1.5L
available
Bing cherry, kirsch, and dark chocolate aromas are complemented by hints of cardamom, star anise, and clove. A note of dried sage builds upon the earthy minerality redolent of crushed rock. Supple, supportive tannins create a velvety texture and lengthy finish for this elegant, mineral-laced wine.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2011
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation
Stags Leap District
Bottling Date
July 2013
Alcohol %
14.3
Wine Profile
Vineyard Notes
The fruit was sourced from our Twin Peaks Vineyard estate, as well as the hillside terraces of our Poetry Vineyard, and a few, select neighboring growers in the Stags Leap District. The wine is composed of small lots from many of our best blocks, representing a diverse range of carefully selected clones and rootstocks. From exposed, rocky terraces that are volcanic in origin to valley-floor alluvial soils, the breadth of contributing sites translates into a wine of impressive complexity.
Production Notes
Hand harvested in the cool early morning hours, the fruit was immediately subjected to rigorous selection by our three-tiered sorting process, including our cutting edge optical sorter, with a goal of eliminating less-than-perfect berries. The selected fruit was gently delivered to tank via gravity by our crane system, minimizing disruption of berry integrity. Cold soaks lasted approximately five days, and fermentations were managed by a combination of délestage, pumpovers, and punchdowns. Extended maceration ranging from three to four weeks fine-tuned tannin profiles, allowing us to build mouth feel and wine complexity. The wine was aged in French oak barrels, 59% of which were new, for twenty-one months. Final blend is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec.
Winemaker Notes
Bing cherry, kirsch, and dark chocolate aromas are complemented by hints of cardamom, star anise, and clove. A note of dried sage builds upon the earthy minerality redolent of crushed rock. Supple, supportive tannins create a velvety texture and lengthy finish for this elegant, mineral-laced wine.