2016 Cliff Lede Soul Fire Cabernet Sauvignon, Rock Block Series, Stags Leap District 1.5L
available
Forged in the Stags Leap District, the tantalizing 2016 Soul Fire is a sexy purple hued beauty that radiates charm and warmth.
These go to eleven.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2016
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation
Stags Leap District
Aging
twenty-one months of élevage in French oak barrels, 62% of which were new.
Bottling Date
July 2018
Alcohol %
15.2
Wine Profile
Vineyard Notes
Our estate vineyard blocks are named after Cliff’s favorite rock songs and albums. The name of this blend is derived from The Yardbirds "Heart Full of Soul" in our Poetry vineyard and from The Doors’ “Light My Fire" in our Twin Peaks vineyard. The Cabernet Sauvignon in “Heart Full of Soul” is planted in shallow volcanic soil and farmed to low yields, contributing structure, concentration and classic Stags Leap character to the backbone of the blend. “Light My Fire” is a block of Cabernet that contributes a luxurious perfume, flavors of ripe, dark fruit, and plush texture.
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 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.
Winemaker Notes
Dark gobs of cassis and crushed blackberry layer atop a core of sumptuous black fig with notes of spring violets and burning embers. The olfactory is draped in fragrances and flavors of lavender and chocolate ganache. A fresh acidity livens the palate and gives energy to the bright and long ultrafine finish.