Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon SLD (2017)

The 2017 Stags Leap Cabernet is darkly ruby/purple colored and possesses vibrant aromas of violets, lavender, blackberry, huckleberry, black licorice, and warm chocolate covered cherries. Juicy, penetrating, and conveying terrific depth, this gorgeously flavored wine possesses layers of blood orange, cardamom, cocoa powder, and slate. The long opulent finish continues on with notes of minerals, loam, pan grille, and cassis, whilst the supple tannins go on supporting the well framed structure. Blend: 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc

Tasting Notes

95 Wine Enthusiast
With small amounts of Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, this is a classically structured, earthy and impressive wine. Char, herb and earth accents frame the elegant, crisp fruit and graceful tannins, with a lasting taste of crushed rock.

93 Jeb Dunnuck
A year in, year out value, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is a winner in 2017, giving up loads of sweet fruit and medium to full-bodied richness as well as textbook notes of sweet cassis, cedary spice, dried flowers, and earth. It's complex, beautifully balanced, and a terrific wine. This is a sure bet in the vintage that will keep for a solid 15-20 years.

92 Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2017 Cliff Lede Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon does an excellent job of combining power and grace. TASTING NOTES: This wine shows a combination of savory spices and black fruit in its aromas and flavors. Pair it with pan-seared, steak cubes over bok choy and steamed rice. (Tasted: February 20, 2020, Yountville, CA)

91 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District leaps from the glass with notions of baked black plums, black forest cake and raspberry coulis with hints of cracked black pepper, hoisin, sautéed herbs and charcuterie. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is filled with juicy baked berries and plum preserves notions, framed by gently played, soft tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing on a spicy note.