2016 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District
available
The inky black 2016 Stags Leap District is a brooding elixir that dazzles the senses. Still, in its evolutionary youth, it displays a fully integrated nose of fresh red and black currants, wild blackberries, and a perfumed bouquet of violets and lavender. Spice notes of smoked cardamom, anise, and cumin dance among the fig paste and cherry flavors. The opulent concentrated finish crescendos in a wave of supple tannins, which nimbly glides along the palate and draws the taster back for another joyful sip. Tasted February 2024- Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking
Wine Specs
Vintage
2016
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation
Stags Leap District
Bottling Date
July 2018
Alcohol %
15.2
Wine Profile
Vineyard Notes
The fruit was sourced from the hillside terraces of our Poetry Vineyard, our Twin Peaks Vineyard estate surrounding the winery, and a few neighboring vineyards in the Stags Leap District. The wine is composed of small lots from our best blocks, representing a diverse range of carefully selected clones and rootstocks. From Poetry’s exposed, rocky terraces boasting volcanic origins, to the ancient riverbed alluvial soils of Twin Peaks, the breadth of contributing sites translates into a wine of impressive complexity.
Production Notes
Grapes were picked in the darkness of the early morning hours. The freshly-harvested fruit immediately underwent rigorous selection by our three-tiered sorting process, which included our cutting-edge optical sorter. Whole berries were gently delivered by gravity to tank using our crane system, minimizing disruption of berry integrity. Cold soaks lasted approximately seven days, and fermentations were managed via a combination of délestage, pumpovers, and punchdowns. Extended maceration ranging from four to five weeks fine-tuned our tannin profiles, allowing us to perfect mouth feel and wine complexity. The wine was aged in French oak barrels, 49% of which were new, for twenty-one months.
Winemaker Notes
displays a fully integrated nose of fresh red and black currants, wild blackberries, and a perfumed bouquet of violets and lavender. Spice notes of smoked cardamom, anise, and cumin dance among the fig paste and cherry flavors. The opulent concentrated finish crescendos in a wave of supple tannins, which nimbly glides along the palate and draws the taster back for another joyful sip. Tasted February 2024- Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking
Other Notes
79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc