Cliff Lede Tasting at Wine Watch

“I drink coffee because I need it, and wine because I deserve it.”

That's right and you deserve to drink as much of the worlds' great wines as you can before you leave this Earth and at Wine Watch we are trying to give you as many opportunities to do so as possible!

This tasting is another in the line of events that we host in efforts to help our wine drinking people drink their wines.  All of these wines are from one collector’s cellar and this guy may not have enough time to drink everything in his collection so we are trying to help.  How many other wine shops in the world offer this service?  We will even come to your home to help you drink your wines- whatever it takes to make sure that you are drinking the good stuff first!!

Cliff Lede winery is a poster child for how you start a new cult wine in Napa Valley.  First you buy some expensive vineyards.  Then you hire someone like David Abreu to plant the vineyards.  And finally hire a consulting winemaker like Michele Rolland to help make the wines.

Cliff Lede is one of the most exciting new projects to come out of Napa Valley in the first part of the 21st century.  Most of the wines that we are drinking this evening are only available on the mailing list, so this will be another "Once in a Lifetime" Wine Watch event!!  Wine Watch caterings Toni Lampasone will be making a special menu to accompany the tasting wines and the fee for this event is $125 + tax, for reservations call 954-523-9463.

Cliff Lede Wine Tasting at Wine WatchSaturday, August 2nd, 20147:00 PM

Tasting Line-up:

Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Moondance Dream 2011 

This blend is primarily sourced from two distinctive blocks named after the classic rock songs “Moondance” and “Dream On,” located on our Poetry estate vineyard. The steep terraced hillside vines of Cabernet Sauvignon in “Dream On” offer intense structure and concentration, while the rolling hills of “Moondance” add opulence and polish. Small percentages of Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Merlot from our Twin Peaks estate harmonize with the Cabernet to add nuance and aromatic lift.

Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain 2010

This 2010 vintage is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Merlot.  Exotic aromatic highlights of Madagascar vanilla bean, sarsaparilla root, and violet grace the profound dark berry fruit, fresh leather, and black olive bouquet. This mountain Cabernet impresses with fragrant hints of woodsy pine and crushed autumn leaves complemented by sage and slate. Plush tannins coat the palette with a smooth, chocolaty lingering finish.

Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain 2009 

A blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 1% Merlot.  Black tar and fresh blackberries make way to plush, ripe black fruit on the nose. Sage, coffee, and tanned leather open into classic crème de cassis and lavender aromas. Opulent blackberry pie and cassis dominate the rich mid palate. Layers of sweet, silky tannins develop through the finish, balanced by a touch of ashy minerality.

Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 2009 

A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot and 6% Malbec.  Wet stone, tanned leather, and rose petals evolve into raspberry on the nose. Strawberry rhubarb pie, damask plum, and fresh red fruit dominates the palate. Firm tannins relax into the intense full-bodied finish. The balance of finesse and power is the “hallmark” of the Howell Mountain appellation. analysis

Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Landslide Fire 2010

The majority of this fruit was sourced from two distinctive blocks named after the rock songs “Landslide” and “Light My Fire,” located on our estate Twin Peaks Vineyard. The gravelly loam in “Light My Fire” produces opulent Cabernet with ripe, dark fruit and plush tannins. The hillside, terraced vines of Malbec in “Landslide” offer an intense aromatic lift to the blend.

Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry 2010 

(94 Points) Lede’s 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry brings together the aromatic nuance and overt florality of the Landslide Fire with the heft and concentration of the Songbook, a pretty appealing combination in my book. Power and richness dominate in a wine that nevertheless retains considerable finesse. Over time, the more silky, gracious side of the Poetry emerges as layers of fruit appear to blossom in all directions. This is another totally delicious, compelling wine from Cliff Lede. The blend is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028.

This is a strong and consistent range from Cliff Lede and his team. In addition to these wines, I also tasted a few 2011 component wines that were promising. Lede is keeping his 2011s separate for a longer time than normal before blending to see how they develop, a common choice in this very challenging vintage.  Wine Advocate #204, Dec 2012

Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry 2009 

(94-96 Points) Lede’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry is marvelous in its completeness. An expressive, open bouquet melds into dark cherries, plums, spices and minerals. Firm yet well-integrated tannins frame a finish defined by superb textural finesse. The blend is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 9% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.  Cliff Lede describes this version of his winery as ‘version 2.0’ after David Abreu came in and re-planted a number of vineyards. Philippe Melka is the consulting winemaker. In broad terms, Lede’s 2009s are made in a more finessed style than the 2010s, which come across as more powerful and structured. Both vintages are terrific, but very different in style.  Wine Advocate #198, Dec 2011

Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry 2008

(93 Points) Ratcheting up the level of elegance and complexity, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry Stags Leap (composed of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc and the rest Merlot, Petit Verdot and a tiny bit of Malbec) is very Chateau Margaux-like with its floral notes interwoven with black currants, graphite and toast. With admirable power, finesse and freshness, it is a beautifully balanced, medium to full-bodied wine with a layered richness and a long, supple finish. Consume it over the next 15-20+ years.  Elegant, well-made Cabernets continue to emerge from this reputable as well as increasingly high quality producer in the tiny corridor of Stags Leap where the Yountville Crossroad intersects the Silverado Trail. Cliff Lede’s forward, delicious 2008s merit attention from readers. An early look at the 2009s suggests these will be early drinkers as they possess forward fruit, soft tannins and endearing, mid-weight styles. For most wineries, 2009 is clearly not a blockbuster vintage, but rather one that might turn out to be similar to 2005, underrated initially, but putting on weight and showing beautiful balance in what was clearly a cooler year.  Wine Advocate #192, Dec 2010

Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Cinnamon Rhapsody 2009 

(93 Points) The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Cinnamon Rhapsody is quite a bit richer and rounder than the Stags Leap. It boasts striking inner perfume and gorgeous textural richness all the way through to the generous, creamy finish. The blend is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec and 1% Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.  Cliff Lede describes this version of his winery as ‘version 2.0’ after David Abreu came in and re-planted a number of vineyards. Philippe Melka is the consulting winemaker. In broad terms, Lede’s 2009s are made in a more finessed style than the 2010s, which come across as more powerful and structured. Both vintages are terrific, but very different in style.  Wine Advocate #198, Dec 2011

Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Imagine Rhapsody 2007 

(94+ Points) Cliff Lede ratchets up the quality level with the 2007 Imagine Rhapsody, a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, and nearly equal portions of Merlot and Cabernet Franc with a dollop of Petit Verdot included. This opaque purple-colored 2007 is the most backward of this group. Deep, rich notes of charcoal, lead pencil shavings, black currants, licorice, smoke, and wet rock-like characteristics are all present in this well-proportioned, full-bodied, deep, strikingly backward and tannic wine. Loaded with promise, rich, intense, and pure, it should be forgotten for 2-4 years, and drunk over the following 20-25 years.

As the results attest, owner Cliff Lede, manager David Abreu, and up and coming winemaker Michelle Edwards are all obsessed with high quality. The ubiquitous Michel Rolland is also in the background for blending, consulting, etc. The 2007s appear to be stunning efforts.  Wine Advocate #186, Dec 2009

Menu

Selection of Cheese:  Parmigiano Reggiano, Beemster Gouda and Manchego

Duck and smoked mozzarella Ravioli with sundried tomato butter garnished with fresh basil and Parmigiano Reggiano

Braised Veal Osso Bucco served over vegetable risotto and Cabernet Sauvignon Demi Glaze

Chocolate covered bacon and blackberries

We only have seating for 13 in the back room at Wine Watch for this event and the fee for this event is $125 + tax for reservations call 954-523-9463. 

A bit about Cliff Lede vineyards:

Established in 2002, Cliff Lede Vineyards encompasses sixty acres in the famed Stags Leap District.

Owner Cliff Lede, Vineyard Architect David Abreu and Winemaker Chris Tynan have come together to form an unrivalled team, making the most of this remarkable property.

Completed in 2005, the gravity-flow winery boasts a berry-by-berry sorting system and conical tanks commissioned using a design inspired by the tanks of Château Latour. One tank per vineyard block ensures each lot evolves at its own pace and acres of caves with single-layer barrel storage ensure access to each barrel at all times. No corner has been cut.

The winery produces Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The flagship, Poetry Cabernet Sauvignon, is crafted from the steep hillside portion of the estate. The land, the talent, the tools and the passion: Cliff Lede Vineyards, a notable addition to the Stags Leap District.

Current Releases available from Cliff Lede Winery

As I mentioned before most of the wines we are tasting are not even available in the South Florida market but there are a few things in stock at the distributor from Cliff Lede.

Cliff Lede Sauvignon Blanc Napa 2012 Price: $20.25       Sale $17.82          Case $207

(88 Points)  A fresh mix of tropical and citrus fruit flavors, with peach, nectarine and mango notes that are bold and intense. This is medium-bodied, offering an appealing fleshy texture and spicy aromatics that crescendo on the finish. Drink now. 6,297 cases made. –MW  Wine Spectator Issue: Nov 30, 2013

Cliff Lede Sauvingon Blanc Napa 2013  Price: $27.00       Sale $23.76          Case $276

A blend 91% Sauvignon Blanc, 7% Sémillon, 2% Sauvignon Vert.  With the cut and color of yellow sapphire, the 2013 Sauvignon Blanc shines brilliantly in the glass and tempts with alluring aromas of lemon verbena, fall persimmon, and fresh white peaches. Gorgeous floral notes of orange blossom, honeysuckle, and night blooming jasmine intertwine with the top notes of the effusive bouquet. This unctuous styled white coats the palate with layers of lemon curd, quince paste, candle wax, and honeyed citrus marmalade. A vibrant spine of minerality supports the rich mouthfeel and lends notes of gunflint, powdery talc, and wet stone to the finish.

Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Stag's Leap District 2011 Price: $72.00       Sale $63.36          Case $735

A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec.   Bing cherry, kirsch, and dark chocolate aromas are complemented by hints of cardamom, star anise, and clove. A note of dried sage builds upon the earthy minerality redolent of crushed rock. Supple, supportive tannins create a velvety texture and lengthy finish for this elegant, mineral-laced wine.