2017 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon, Calistoga
Sold Out
A brilliant wine in a tough vintage, the 2017 Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon speaks to its gravelly terroir of ancient creek bed.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2017
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation
Calistoga
Aging
French oak barrels, 89% of which were new, for twenty-one months.
Bottling Date
July 2019
Alcohol %
14.6
Wine Profile
Vineyard Notes
Located at the base of Diamond Mountain in the western portion of the Calistoga appellation, our Calistoga estate vineyard has twenty acres planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon. The gravelly loam soils are volcanic in origin with alluvial influence made evident by copious amounts of water-rolled gravel and large cobbles. While Calistoga can experience quite hot daytime temperatures, our estate is protected from the afternoon sun by Diamond Mountain to our west. Cool breezes from the Pacific are drawn in by the narrow gap between Napa and Sonoma Counties, further mediating the hot days. The result is powerful, rich Cabernet with balanced acidity.
Production Notes
Hand harvested in the cool dark of night, the fruit was brought to the winery and 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, retaining perfect, whole berries. Cold soaks lasted approximately five days, and fermentations were managed by a combination of délestage and pump overs. Extended maceration, ranging from three to four weeks, fine-tuned tannin profiles, allowing us to build structure and wine complexity.
Winemaker Notes
The nose is filled with wet rock and rolled stone notes and is framed by classic spiced cassis and graphite aromas. Violets complete the nose whilst the entry graces the palate with spice laden blackberries, roses, and lavender flavors. Deep and fresh, the palate glides expansively tempting the taster with heavenly black truffle and freshly cracked pepper. Although fully formed and joyous in its youth, this young beauty will no doubt gain with time. – Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking
Production
547 cases