2016 Cliff Lede Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District Napa Valley 750 ml

It’s been an epic rise for Cliff Lede Vineyards: Ever since moving into the world-class Cabernet neighborhood of Stags Leap two decades ago, it’s become “one of the best-run wineries in Napa Valley,” according to Robert Parker, and one that’s “surged into the top hierarchy of quality in a relatively short period of time.” 

Today, we’re happy to report that 100-point winemaker Chris Tynan’s 2016 Cliff Lede Cabernet Stags Leap District is here at just $70. Deep, dark, and seductive, the 2016 shows robust blackberry and blueberry preserves, lifted by a handful of purple violets. Moving into a palate layered with spice, clove, and mocha, this wine gorgeously epitomizes why Cabernet is King in Napa Valley.

When owner Cliff Lede founded his eponymous winery in 2002, he pulled out all the stops to make the most from the extraordinary estate. His first call (very wisely) went to David Abreu, the renowned viticulturist responsible for planting Screaming Eagle, Bryant Family, and Harlan Estate, to name a few. Lede’s search for excellence eventually led him (through Abreu) to Chris, whose résumé not only boasts a stint at Colgin Cellars, but a 100-point Cabernet under his own Chris Tynan Wines label.

A huge part of Cliff Lede’s success is their precious 60-acre property. “Because we’re tucked up against the hillside, we have this microclimate that stays very cool in the morning,” Chris told us when we caught up recently. “It’s a sink for cool air, which stays around ‘til mid-morning, and preserves the acidity and fresh aromatics.” In the afternoon, he explained, it’s the opposite: The sunlight hitting the eastern hills of the valley keeps the vines warm, which helps the tannins melt “like a fine piece of chocolate.” That’s what allows a Cabernet with such age-worthy structure to drink as sexy and lush, even when young.

With its palate of age-worthy and magically melting tannins, this Cabernet displays the best of one of Napa Valley’s most special sites, for a fraction of what some high-priced neighboring vineyards command. 

Tynan applies his 100-point skill to the Stags Leap Cabernet, and uses Cliff Lede’s state-of-the-art winery in service of Old World techniques. The fruit is meticulously sorted, leaving only “beautiful little caviar berries” (as Chris calls them), which are gently lifted into the tank, allowing a whole-berry fermentation and maceration that results in superb body and concentration without extracting bitter seed tannins. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered, which preserves the delicate and fresh aromatics, as well as the creamy texture that comes from aging on the lees.

Our last offer of Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon earned a nearly unmatched rating on Wine Access: a staggering 4.75 out of 5 stars for what one member calls an “awesome” Cabernet. And coming from a historic 98-point vintage, the 2016 might be even better. “It accentuates all that goodness,” winemaker Chris Tynan said about the 2016 season and the wines it produced. “They’re so accessible, but still so powerful. We can have it both ways in this vintage,” Chris says. “And truly mean it.”

Precious terroir, a stellar vintage, and a 100-point winemaker. It all results in a Stags Leap Cabernet that seriously over-delivers for the price.