2023 Cliff Lede "Marla" Blanc, Napa Valley
available
The gorgeous 2023 rendition of Marla features a beautiful perfume of honeysuckle blossoms, honeydew melon, and shortbread. The fresh acidity lends a lovely balance to the seamless entry where flavors of apricot marmalade, green apple pie, and lemony citrus oils coat the palate. These flavors are delicately tinged with allspice, nougat, and white chocolate notes. A precise, layered finish harmonizes with an ascension of supple flavors and aromas ending with a seductive orange blossom fragrance wafting through the senses. – Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking
Wine Specs
Vintage
2023
Varietal
White Blend
Appellation
Napa Valley
Aging
Upon reaching dryness, the wine was aged on its lees and select barrels underwent occasional battonage.
Bottling Date
May 2024
Alcohol %
13.6
Wine Profile
Vineyard Notes
A selection of our finest estate and grower white wine barrels were blended to create the highest expression of the vintage. An old-vine Sémillon vineyard in Calistoga contributes to the blend's density, and richness. Our fabulous young estate-grown Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Sauvignon Musqué vines from our properties in the Stags Leap District, Carneros, and Calistoga add sumptuous orchard fruit flavors, delicate floral notes, and mouthwatering acidity.
Production Notes
The fruit was hand-harvested in the cool darkness of night and arrived at the winery at dawn. The grapes were then held in controlled low oxygen and cold temperatures. Our fruit underwent gentle, whole-cluster pressing, releasing the delicate, prized juices from the clusters and creating a deeper level of complexity. The juice was fermented in French oak barrels, 63% of which were new. All fermentations were conducted at cold temperatures to preserve the freshness of the fruit.
Winemaker Notes
The gorgeous 2023 rendition of Marla features a beautiful perfume of honeysuckle blossoms, honeydew melon, and shortbread. The fresh acidity lends a lovely balance to the seamless entry where flavors of apricot marmalade, green apple pie, and lemony citrus oils coat the palate. These flavors are delicately tinged with allspice, nougat, and white chocolate notes. A precise, layered finish harmonizes with an ascension of supple flavors and aromas ending with a seductive orange blossom fragrance wafting through the senses. – Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking
Production
303 cases