2019 Cliff Lede Roundabout Midnight Cabernet Sauvignon, Rock Block Series, 1.5L
available
This hedonistic elixir unleashes an exceptional fragrance of violets, blackberry preserves, slate, and unctuous warm plums. Dark and brooding, the satiny entry continues seamlessly across the palate whilst flavors of cedar, lilac, and black licorice candy dance and sing effortlessly to a long and energetic finish. – Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking
Wine Specs
Vintage
2019
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation
Stags Leap District
Aging
Twenty-one months of élevage in French oak barrels, 74% of which were new.
Alcohol %
14.5
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 Yes’ “Roundabout" in our Twin Peaks vineyard and from Eric Clapton’s “After Midnight" in our Poetry vineyard. The Cabernet Sauvignon in “After Midnight” 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. “Roundabout” is a block of Cabernet Sauvignon that contributes a luxurious perfume, flavors of ripe, dark fruit, and plush texture.
Winemaker 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.