grape: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, 1% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc

producer: Cliff Lede (pronounced LAY-dee)

country: USA

region: Napa Valley, Stag’s Leap District

year: 2009

price: $60

yum factors: Took a sip and immediately said, “This is why I love wine.” It just had so many layers playing around. Blackberry, chocolate, even some deep plum all intermixing with the tannins (which were pretty smooth for a 2009). This is what people talk abotu when they say a wine has good structure. 2009 is young for a Cab, but I really wanted to try Cliff Lede and it was still great despite it’s youth. Can’t imagine how awesome it’ll be with more age on it.

buy it: here

cliff lede in action!