Cliff Lede Claret 2002 Front Label
Cliff Lede Claret 2002 Front Label

Winemaker Notes

Our Claret is blended with ready enjoyment in mind, yet with the balance, texture and complexity to satisfy the discriminating. Merlot forms the core of the blend, highlighting sweet fruit on the palate and great richness. Cabernet Sauvignon supplies the distinctive aromas of rich plum fruit, cherry cola and fresh tobacco while retaining its Stags Leap District silkiness. The dollop of Cabernet Franc lifts the aroma with its characteristic floral notes. Certainly ready to drink now, splashing this wine into a decanter will even increase its accessibility.
Cliff Lede Vineyards

Cliff Lede Vineyards

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Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.

Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.

EPCCLDCLT02750_2002 Item# 83648