2018 Cliff Lede Magic Nights Cabernet Sauvignon, Rock Block Series, 1.5L
available
If you take a ride on the silky and refined 2018 Magic Nights, this fantasy of a wine will set you free. It’s as dark as midnight and delights the taster with deep rich cassis, candied violets, lilacs, blackberry, warm summer mulberries, and melted black licorice.
These go to eleven.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2018
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation
Stags Leap District
Aging
twenty-one months of élevage in French oak barrels, 80% of which were new.
Bottling Date
July 2018
Alcohol %
15.2
Wine Advocate
94
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 Who’s “Magic Bus" in our Poetry vineyard and from The Moody Blues’ “Nights in White Satin" in our Twin Peaks vineyard. The Cabernet Sauvignon in “Magic Carpet Ride” 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. “Nights in White Satin” is a block of Merlot 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
The wine possesses a weighty, oily texture reminiscent of melted chocolate, grilled steak drippings, iron, fig, and Medjool dates. The tannins are satin smooth with the elegance and energy of the vintage taking center stage on the finish. – Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking