Cliff Lede Rhythm Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District Napa Valley is made from 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc
The inaugural vintage of Rhythm couldn’t have come in a better vintage to flaunt the greatness of the Stags Leap District. Dark purple with vermillion-tinged edges, the plush and refreshing lures the taster with a multidimensional perfume that fills the glass with notes of jasmine, lavender, and spring flowers. Interwoven into the floral notes are unctuous layers of plum, blackberry, and black currants. Loads of smoked cardamom, cinnamon, and black licorice melt on the palate where vibrant acidity carries the long finish to a state of balance and equilibrium. – Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking.
Review:
Powerful, seamless and saturated with flavor, this giant of a wine goes deep in black currants, black cherries and mint aromas. The dense, rather firm texture holds a tasty mélange of black cherries and black figs shaded by cedar, cocoa, tobacco and espresso. It needs several years to open up. Best from 2028–2040.
-Wine Enthusiast 97 Points
Castelmaure Grande Cuvee Corbieres Rouge is made from 50% Grenache (30 year old) and 50% Syrah (30 year old)..
In the early 1990’s, Castelmaure began experimenting with a Prestige Cuvée of Corbières. This wine has become known as “Grande Cuvée” and is made with the help of the winemaking team of Tardieu-Laurent.
Vinification: destemming, pneumatic press, end of fermentation at 25 degrees C; two racking; aging in tank then in 220 Liter Bordeaux barrels for 10-12 months. Egg fining, slight filtration..
Deep and intense color, powerful aromas of dark berry fruit, prune and coffee nuances, and a persistent finish.
Vineyards: planted on 50% Schist and 50% limestone soils.