2014 Cliff Lede Claret, Napa Valley

Winemaker Notes

The 2014 vintage was a vintner’s dream. A dry winter with unseasonably warm temperatures prompted an early bud break, leading to one of the earliest harvests on record. Moderate weather throughout the spring and summer allowed the vines to achieve a good set. The dry conditions led to low vigor vines and small, abundant berries, creating very concentrated fruit that ripened with the warm fall days. With lovely autumn weather, harvest proceeded at a steady pace.

Complex and inviting, the dark ruby colored 2014 Claret dazzles the senses with explosive aromas of warm black fig, cassis, and dark melted chocolate. The bouquet continues on with notes of crushed Rainier cherries, graphite, and blackberry. The palate begins lush and expansive on entry, then turns incredibly silky and ultrafine. This ethereal finish crescendos with exotic spice notes of cumin, peppercorn, and smoked cardamom. – Christopher Tynan, Winemaker

About Winery

Established in 2002, Cliff Lede Vineyards encompasses sixty acres in the famed Stags Leap District. Owner Cliff Lede, Vineyard Architect David Abreu, and Winemaker Christopher Tynan have come together to form an unrivaled team, making the most of this remarkable property.