Cliff Lede grew up involved with his family’s successful construction business in Canada, and first discovered the splendor of the Napa Valley while on a business retreat in the 1990s. A collector of top Bordeaux, Cliff was immediately drawn to the incredible landscapes and wine culture of Napa. He saw the great potential in the Stags Leap District and founded Cliff Lede Vineyards. One year later, the southwest facing hillside just above the Silverado Trail which became his Poetry Vineyard. In 2009, he expanded to include cooler-climate varieties from the Anderson Valley in purchasing the Savoy Vineyard and the creation of a new brand, FEL, named for his mother, Florence Elsie Lede.
I will fully admit that I was enamored by the sensational new lineup from the 2019 vintage. I just adored their 2019 Cliff Lede ‘Poetry’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 99) which borders on perfection. Silky and rich, this is a sensational new wine. which is incredibly soft and has insanely good length. The core of blue and dark fruits is so impressive here. I love the new 2018 Cliff Lede ‘To Kalon Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 98) which deftly showcases this world class vineyard. This Cabernet will surely live on for decades to come. These are just sensational new wines for any serious collector of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Learn more about this outstanding producer at https://cliffledevineyards.com/ Here are the beautiful new wines by Cliff Lede.
2019 Cliff Lede ‘Stags Leap District’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2019 ‘Stags Leap District’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautiful effort that is sourced from their estate vineyard at the base of Diamond Mountain in the western portion of the Calistoga appellation. Soft and generous on the mouth, this reveals tobacco leaf and chocolate flavors alongside boysenberry and hints of graphite on the palate. Drink 2021-2031- 92
2019 Cliff Lede ‘High Fidelity’ Red Wine- The 2019 ‘High Fidelity’ Red Wine is an enticing blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc that were aged in French oak barrels, 66% of which was new, for twenty-two months. Thew wine shows a silky mouthfeel with layers of violets, black tea, graphite, exotic spices and dark currant jelly. Gorgeous now, this has at least another decade to go. Drink 2021-2033- 93
2019 Cliff Lede ‘Poetry’ Red Wine- The 2019 ‘Poetry’ is a stunning new wine by Cliff Lede. Designed by David Abreu, The Poetry Vineyard, carved into a steep west-facing hillside, reaches from the highest elevations of the Stags Leap District appellation to the valley floor. Once on the nose this takes on layers of mocha, pencil lead, creme de cassis and anise tones that all sing in unison. The palate is utterly seamless with a silky texture and incredible sense of elegance. Gorgeous creme de violette, black currant jelly, dark chocolate shavings and suggestions of Turkish coffee all brilliantly combine on the palate, with incredible length. Try to resist this beautiful wine for at least a few more years. Drink 2023-2045- 99
2019 Cliff Lede ‘Roundabout Midnight’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2019 ‘Roundabout Midnight’ was stored in French oak barrels (80%) new for twenty-one months before bottling. The nose offers seriously good range from violets and black currants to coffee grounds and shades of dark chocolate. Fresh and vibrant with plenty of lift and tension, this effortlessly glides across the palate, delivering copious dark fruit and tobacco flavors alongside tilled loamy soils. Gorgeous to savor in its youth, this has another fifteen to twenty years of life in front of it. Drink 2021-2036- 95
2019 Cliff Lede ‘Songbook’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2019 ‘Songbook’ was stored for 21 months elevage in 66% new French oak prior to bottling. The Cabernet really needs a few hours of air to fully get going. Once aroused this reveals sensational aromatics of Asian spices, black currant cordial, mocha and anise tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is soft and seamless, giving an air of elegance, yet showing plenty of power and concentration. Gorgeous to savor now, this has another twenty years of life in front of it. Drink 2021-2041- 96
2019 Cliff Lede ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- One of the famed sites in the Napa Valley, the ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard’ was given slightly more new French oak (91%) for 21 months before bottling. Showing off its deep core, and needing an hour decant to be fully expressive, a powerful nose of sweet pipe tobacco and creme de cassis are woven together with smoky minerals, dusty soils and shades of blackberry compote with black rose florals. The palate is utterly thrilling with its opulence and silky texture that make this glide throughout the drinking experience. Enjoy this sensational wine for another twenty years. Drink 2021-2041- 98