Napa Valley's Canadian Superstar

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Readers looking for a future superstar from Napa need look no further than this relatively new winery that appears to have hit its stride with its 2005s. Canadian businessman Cliff Lede has Michelle Edwards as his winemaker, David Abreu as his viticulturalist, and none other than Michel Rolland as his winemaking consultant, so big things are expected. This 60-acre property with the vineyards and winery in the Stags Leap area and the winery right on the Yountville cross [across the road from another up-and-coming superstar, Kapcsandy Winery] made their first vintages in 2002, but I think the 2005s move Cliff Lede Vineyards to higher ground.



89 points



2006 Sauvignon Blanc



The 2006 Sauvignon Blanc has an aromatic, melon-scented nose with loads of fruit, crisp acidity, and plenty of honeyed grapefruit along the way. Drink it over the next year. The real beauties are their Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines from the Stags Leap area. $20



92 points



2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District



A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and the rest a dash of Malbec and Petit Verdot, this beauty offers the elegance and finesse of the cooler southern end of Napa with beautiful floral, black raspberry, and currant notes mixed with cedar, a whiff of tobacco leaf, spring flowers, and well-integrated wood. The wine is medium to full-bodied and cuts a nice, deep, rich, but delicate feel in the mouth. This is a stunner that should drink gracefully for 15 or more years. $50



94 points



2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Cinnamon Stardust Stags Leap



A blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, this 600-plus-case cuve exhibits a dense ruby/purple color, sensational fruit, and a broad, deep, opulent personality. The wine is deep and pure, with spring flower notes intermixed with black currant, cedar, and spice box. With terrific texture, good acidity, and a long finish, it should drink nicely for 15 to 20 years. $125



94 points



2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Songbook



A limited cuve of 125 cases, this is a blend of purchased fruit from David Abreu's Thorevilos and Madrona Ranch Vineyards. Revealing classic white floral notes intermixed with graphite, blueberry, blackberry, and espresso roast, it is a deep, medium- to full-bodied beauty. $125



95 points



2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry Stags Leap



The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry [925 cases of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec, and the rest Petit Verdot and Merlot] is superbly deep ruby/purple-hued with notes of blackberry, cassis, licorice, subtle smoke, and incense. This opulent, rich wine has a plush palate, silky tannins, great purity, stature, and length. However, the tannins are there and the wine still tastes primary despite its enormous potential. Give it 3 to 4 years of bottle age and drink it over the following three decades. $125