2017 Cliff Lede Dancing Heart Cabernet Sauvignon, Rock Block Series, 3L
available
The 2017 Dancing Heart opens with a gorgeously labyrinthine perfume of warm black cherries scented with lavender and violets.
These go to eleven.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2017
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation
Stags Leap District
Bottling Date
July 2018
Alcohol %
15.2
Wine Enthusiast
96
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 Rush’s "Closer to the Heart" in our Poetry vineyard and from Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark" in our Twin Peaks vineyard. The Cabernet Sauvignon in “Closer to the Heart” 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. “Dancing in the Dark” 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.
Other Notes
Mineral and stone aromas go sailing across the complex bouquet. There is a spark of intensity to the luscious cassis and raspberry flavors which are tinged with savory iron, graphite, and grilled steak juices. Bright and fleshy, the finish carries a dark and wonderful mix of roasted red peppers, slate, and dried fig flavors. – Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking