The 2019 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon from the Stag's Leap District in Napa Valley offers a well-rounded experience for Cabernet Sauvignon enthusiasts. This vintage, primarily composed of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, is complemented by 8% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot, resulting in a complex and structured wine.
James Suckling of jamessuckling.com awarded this wine a score of 93, noting its "ripe black fruit, chocolate, spiced oak, and vanilla" flavors. Suckling highlighted the wine's "compact, chewy tannins and bright acidity," calling it "juicy and delicate" with a long finish. He suggests it is suitable for drinking now or can be held for future enjoyment.
Similarly, Jeb Dunnuck also rated this wine 93, praising it as a great Napa Valley Cabernet under $100. In his review on jebdunnuck.com, Dunnuck described the wine as "deep purple-hued" with "classic Cabernet dark red and black fruits, leafy tobacco, chocolate, and graphite." He appreciated its "pure, elegant mouthfeel, integrated acidity, and polished tannins," noting that it is already appealing but will continue to develop over the next 10-15 years. Dunnuck also mentioned the production of 6,812 cases.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, with a score of 92, emphasized the wine's "bright, cheery scents of warm blackcurrants, blackberry preserves, and Black Forest cake." Reviewer LPB appreciated its "silt-like texture" and "earth-laced, crunchy fruit," concluding with a "savory finish."
Vinous, also scoring it 92, found the wine to be "heady" and "potent," with aromas of "blackberry jam, cloves, licorice, new oak, tobacco, and leather." Antonio Galloni highlighted its "luscious, full-throttle" character and the "purity of the fruit."
Wine Enthusiast's Virginie Boone provided the highest score of 95, stating that the wine "substantially overdelivers on its price point." Boone described it as having a "dark fruit profile, generous tannin and oak," and an "expansive full-bodied style." She noted its approachable nature while maintaining its "structured, complex roots."
Overall, the 2019 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon is a well-crafted wine that stands out for its fruit complexity, balanced tannins, and potential for both immediate enjoyment and aging.