2008 Cliff Lede, Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The least expensive cuvee, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap, exhibits a deep plum/ruby/purple color along with a sweet perfume of cedar, black currants, flowers and a subtle hint of toast. Medium to full-bodied with beautiful density, ripeness, elegance and balance, it should drink well for 15+ 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.