2013 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard
available
An elegant blend of gravelly loam and violets soar in the glass and intertwine with layers of blackberry and cassis.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2013
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation
Oakville
Vineyard Designation
Beckstoffer To Kalon
Bottling Date
July 2015
Alcohol %
14.9
Wine Advocate
99
Wine Profile
Vineyard Notes
Situated on the western Oakville bench, the vaunted Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard has gravelly loam soils with high mineral content derived from sedimentary deposits of the volcanic Mayacamas Mountains and the alluvial fan of the Napa River. The vineyard has low organic matter content and thorough drainage, which devigorates the vines and produces small berries that are ideal for wines with intense concentration. The site is warm and sunny throughout the day, but cooled by late afternoon breezes, producing ripe Cabernet Sauvignon with lovely acidity. The blocks that make up our blend represent a diverse array of the Beckstoffer To Kalon terroir and clonal selection, creating a unique and exceptional wine from this praised site.
Production Notes
In the cool darkness of night, grapes were hand-picked into twenty-five pound bins to minimize crushing. By early morning, the grapes were subjected to rigorous selection by our three-tiered sorting process which includes our cutting edge optical sorter, and a slow, individual berry hand sort. The fruit was gently gravity-delivered to small tanks and wooden cuves by our unique crane system which kept the berries intact. Cold soaks lasted from five to eight days, and fermentations were managed through a combination of pump overs and délestage. Extended maceration of up to six weeks ensured exceptional extraction and fine-tuning of tannin profiles. This wine underwent eighteen months of élevage in French oak barrels, 85% of which were new. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Winemaker Notes
An elegant blend of gravelly loam and violets soar in the glass and intertwine with layers of blackberry and cassis. Integrated and focused notes of graphite, smoked cardamom, and dark chocolate fill out the upper register of aromas and are repeated on the palate. Flavors of dry aged steak and black truffles complement the lissome texture and full body. The gravel, loam, and graphite flavors reflect the terroir and allure of this legendary vineyard.
Production
481 cases