![]() ![]() Cabernet lots were hand-selected from a singular expanse of our estate vineyards that features thin, rocky soils in its upper reaches, giving way to finer-grained loamy soils at its floor. Cabernet Sauvignon has a longstanding history as the Stags Leap District’s signature varietal, and the district’s unique location, where erosion from the palisades has become the source of its volcanic soils, creating a distinctive characteristic, now synonymous with the modern reputation for Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignons. The marriage of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot in this extraordinary estate wine highlights the rich heritage of the property, and natural lineage of the Estate, as well as the balance of power and finesse between each of these varietals. Drinking beautifully now and will continue to age for the next 25+ years, due to the quality of the tannins and the fruit. Unctuous and powerful, showcasing the iconic intensity and longevity that have become synonymous with Stags’ Leap estate wines. The wine is big, dark and robust with mouth-coating fine-grained tannins leading to a dark chocolate, cocoa-powder savory finish with mouthwatering acidity and a lifted subtle fresh mint character. Secondary notes of floral violet, star anise and clove also come through, a nod to the well-integrated subtle oak ageing. ![]() There are lush dark berry flavors on the nose and palate, with black currant, blackberry and blueberry compote notes alongside saturated black cherry and dark plum. Intense, multilayered, rich and opulent, filled with incredible depth of color, balance and energy. Stags Leap District reds have a distinct sour cherry and black berry character with baking spice and dried earth aromas, and supple tannins.Our 2017 Audentia is the embodiment of the distinctive personality of our estate vineyard, crafting a wine of immense concentration, power and complexity. Stags Leap soils-eroded volcanic and old river sediments-encourage well established root systems and result in complex, terroir-driven wines. While many varieties could thrive here, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot dominate with virtually no others, save for a spot or two of Syrah. In combination with the cool evening breezes from the San Pablo Bay just south, this becomes an optimal environment for grape growing. The vineyards in this one-of-a-kind wine growing region receive hot afternoon air reflecting off of its eastern palisade formation. When a 1973 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon won first place against its high-profile Bordeaux contenders, like Chateau Mouton Rothschild and Chateau Haut-Brion, international attention to the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley escalated rapidly. While its grape-growing history dates back to the mid-1800s, winemaking didn’t really take off until the mid-1970s after a small but pivotal blind tasting called the Judgement of Paris. As a result, the area was given the name, Stags Leap. Legend has it that quick and nimble stags would escape the indigenous hunters of southern Napa Valley through the landmark palisades that sit just northeast of the current city of Napa. In 2015, Cliff Lede Vineyards achieved both Napa Green Land and Napa Green Winery certification. Today, Winemaker Christopher Tynan crafts Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, with the flagship, Poetry Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from the steep eastern hillside portion of the estate. Not only did Cliff create a beautiful property, he also assembled an unrivaled team that shares his passion for quality. In 2005, a state of the art, 25,000 square foot winery and cave system was etched into a hillside overlooking the estate vineyards. Lede decided to name each vineyard block after some of his favorite rock songs and albums-from “My Generation” to “Dark Side of the Moon,” creating what is known today as the Cliff Lede Vineyards “Rock Blocks.” With a focus on producing wines from estate vineyards, Lede tapped David Abreu, considered the best viticulturist in Napa Valley, to replant the vineyards. Cliff Lede Vineyards was established in 2002 by Canadian born Bordeaux enthusiast, Cliff Lede, following the acquisition of a sixty acre estate in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley. ![]()
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