2017 Cliff Lede Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District 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.” 

Over the last two vintages, 100-point winemaker Chris Tynan has pushed Cliff Lede Cabernet up the Wine Access member ratings, where its 4.5 out of 5 stars put it alongside some serious $200+ Cabs. One five-star rater raved: “Awesome wine,” and “I'll buy it again when I see it come up.” To that Cabernet lover and all others, here’s your shot at the newest vintage.

Antonio Galloni of Vinous calls the 2017 a “rich, explosive wine built on flamboyance and volume” that’s “In a word: Superb,” while Jeb Dunnuck thinks of it as a “sure bet.” We call it Stags Leap at its most classic: A nose of bold and generous dark fruit, spice, and black tea announcing a muscular and generous mouthfeel led by dark cherry, espresso, and currant. Wrapped in elegant, silky tannins, it’s perfect for early drinking or a long stretch in the cellar. Just $68—the kind of price that makes it, in Dunnuck’s words, “a year in, year out value.” 

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 Tynan, 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. “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 this sexy and lush, even when young. And this one 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.

Cliff Lede’s Cabernet Sauvignon consistency is what’s earning it a staggeringly high member rating, and the 2017 brings the winery’s string of excellent vintages to three. Precious terroir, a top vintage, and a 100-point winemaker: This is Stags Leap Cabernet that seriously over-delivers for the price.