The 2021 Cliff Lede Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is a distinguished offering from the renowned Stag's Leap District in Napa Valley, California. This red wine, made from the Cabernet Sauvignon varietal, captures the essence of the region's rich winemaking tradition.
Jeb Dunnuck awarded this wine a commendable score of 93, highlighting it as "a great value in Napa Cabernet Sauvignon." He praised its "medium to full-bodied, velvety textured" profile, with "ample cassis and darker berry fruits, spicy oak, and chocolate notes." Dunnuck noted that while it may not be the most complex wine, it delivers "classic Napa Valley goodness" and is suitable for enjoying over the next decade or so.
Wine Enthusiast's Jim Gordon provided an even higher score of 94, describing the wine as "silky and drinkable at the first sip." He appreciated its concentration and noted how the wine "feels tight and restrained with more tastes." Gordon emphasized the wine's "black fruits, cedar, cinnamon, and dark chocolate" wrapped in a "rich blanket of extra-fine tannins." He found its complexity and lingering finish to be "something special."
Meanwhile, Wine Spectator gave the wine a solid score of 91, complimenting its "ripe and juicy" character. They described it as having "boysenberry and blackberry pâte de fruit" complemented by "dark toast and cocoa notes." Subtle hints of violet and bay are noted to "lurk in the background," adding to its appeal. Wine Spectator suggests that the wine is ready to drink now and will remain enjoyable through 2034.
Overall, the 2021 Cliff Lede Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is a well-crafted wine that showcases the classic traits of Napa Cabernet, offering a balance of fruit and spice, with a velvety texture that appeals to both immediate enjoyment and longer-term aging.