Wines

Our Sauvignon Blanc is a lively, yet elegant, expression of this varietal that gathers its complexity from both the diversity of terroir running north to south in the Napa Valley and from the inclusion of the rich and unctuous Sémillon grape. This blend includes Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon from our estate vineyards in Calistoga, Stags Leap District, and Carneros. A grower vineyard in eastern Rutherford is home to old vines planted to a heritage Musqué clone that provides density, richness, and lemon citrus notes. Finally, old vine Sémillon from another site in Calistoga gives the wine an expansive mouth-coating richness that is the hallmark of our style.

The fruit was hand-harvested in the cool darkness of night and arrived at the winery at dawn. The grapes were then held in controlled low oxygen and cold temperatures. Gentle, whole-cluster pressing released the delicate, prized juices and created a deeper level of complexity. The juice was fermented in 86% French oak barrels, 29% of which were new, and 14% stainless steel tanks. All fermentations were conducted at cold temperatures to preserve the freshness of the fruit. Upon reaching dryness, the wine was aged on its lees and select lots underwent occasional bâtonnage.

Opening with alluring aromas of lime flower, grapefruit, and elderflower, the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc’s charm is inescapable. Kiwi and lychee flavors melt into pear and white peach as the bright entry dances into a wide, creamy mid-palate with unctuous orange marmalade layers. The finish is long and broad, laden with notes of toasted brioche, beeswax, and a crystalline minerality accompanying a precise finish. – Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking

A selection of our finest estate and grower white wine barrels were blended to create the highest expression of the vintage. An old-vine Sémillon vineyard in Calistoga contributes to the blend’s density, and richness. Our fabulous young estate-grown Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Sauvignon Musqué vines from our properties in the Stags Leap District, Carneros, and Calistoga add sumptuous orchard fruit flavors, delicate floral notes, and mouthwatering acidity.

The fruit was hand-harvested in the cool darkness of night and arrived at the winery at dawn. The grapes were then held in controlled low oxygen and cold temperatures. Our fruit underwent gentle, whole-cluster pressing, releasing the delicate, prized juices from the clusters and creating a deeper level of complexity. The juice was fermented in French oak barrels, 63% of which were new. All fermentations were conducted at cold temperatures to preserve the freshness of the fruit.

The gorgeous 2023 rendition of Marla features a beautiful perfume of honeysuckle blossoms, honeydew melon, and shortbread. The fresh acidity lends a lovely balance to the seamless entry where flavors of apricot marmalade, green apple pie, and lemony citrus oils coat the palate. These flavors are delicately tinged with allspice, nougat, and white chocolate notes. A precise, layered finish harmonizes with an ascension of supple flavors and aromas ending with a seductive orange blossom fragrance wafting through the senses.

The Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in this blend are from our estate Rhythm Vineyard, while the Cabernet Franc hails from acclaimed viticulturist David Abreu’s Madrona Ranch. The vineyards are farmed with meticulous attention to detail, maintaining yields at sparse levels—ranging from two to three tons per acre. The wine is composed of just a few of our best lots from these most cherished sites.

Grapes were picked in the darkness of the early morning hours. The freshly harvested fruit immediately underwent rigorous selection by our three-tiered sorting process, which included our cutting-edge optical sorter. Whole berries were gently delivered by gravity to tank using our crane system, minimizing disruption of berry integrity. Cold soaks lasted approximately seven days, and fermentations were managed via a combination of délestage, pumpovers, and punchdowns. Extended maceration ranging from four to five weeks fine-tuned our tannin profiles, allowing us to perfect mouth feel and wine complexity. The wine was aged in French oak barrels, 80% of which were new, for twenty-two months.

The soft, opulent, and voluptuous 2021 Cliff Lede “High Fidelity” Red Wine is blessed with a seductively complex aroma filled with notes of black currants, menthol, smoked cardamon, tobacco leaf, and sandalwood. From beginning to end, this wine possesses a graceful, cashmere-like texture, which carries the black cherry and crushed blueberry flavors stylishly across the palate, leaving hints of forest floor, roasted chestnuts, and burning incense as it goes. Our most perfumed and complete High Fidelity to date. – Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking

The Cabernet Franc in this wine hails from our prestigious Poetry Vineyard and acclaimed viticulturist David Abreu’s Madrona Ranch Vineyard. Our beloved estate vineyard in Calistoga provides most of the Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. The vineyards are farmed with meticulous attention to detail, maintaining yields at sparse levels—ranging from two to three tons per acre. The wine is composed of just a few of our best lots from these most cherished sites.

Grapes were picked in the darkness of the early morning hours. The freshly-harvested fruit immediately underwent rigorous selection by our three-tiered sorting process, which included our cutting-edge optical sorter. Whole berries were gently delivered by gravity to tank using our crane system, minimizing disruption of berry integrity. Cold soaks lasted approximately seven days, and fermentations were managed via a combination of délestage, pumpovers, and punchdowns. Extended maceration ranging from four to five weeks fine-tuned our tannin profiles, allowing us to perfect mouth feel and wine complexity. The wine was aged in French oak barrels, 71% of which were new, for twenty-two months.

Deep purple-colored, the 2022 Crossfade’s charming panoply of spice and boysenberry aromas burst from the glass. A co-fermented lot of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc plays the leading role, sending forth a whirlwind of black fig, pipe tobacco, iron, dried leaves, and cassis notes. Upon entry, there are notes of black licorice and roasted sweet red pepper. The midpalate reveals a wave of malted chocolate and hazelnut that rides out along the soft finish of this unique and singular wine. – Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking

Our Stags Leap District and Calistoga estate vineyards build the foundation of this wine with support from valued grower sites located in Oakville, Rutherford, and Howell Mountain. Composed of small batches from a variety of blocks of varying age, this wine represents a diverse range of carefully selected rootstocks and clones. Yields are maintained at sparse levels, with a focus on canopy management and vine balance. The resulting blend boasts a remarkable depth and complexity that is quintessential Napa Valley.

Grapes were picked in the darkness of the early morning hours. The freshly-harvested fruit immediately underwent rigorous selection by our three-tiered sorting process, which included our cutting-edge optical sorter. Whole berries were gently delivered by gravity to tank using our crane system, minimizing disruption of berry integrity. Cold soaks lasted approximately seven days, and fermentations were managed via a combination of délestage, pumpovers, and punchdowns. Extended maceration ranging from four to five weeks fine-tuned our tannin profiles, allowing us to perfect mouth feel and wine complexity. The wine was aged in French oak barrels, 48% of which were new, for twenty-one months.

Elegantly soft and lithe the 2021 coaxes the taster with warm dark chocolate and luscious black cherry aromas. More graphite, chocolate cake, crushed mulberries, and iron notes leap from the glass. The entry is filled with dark fruit flavors of cassis, blackberry, and blue berries and they’re all tinged with floral notes of jasmine and violets. The polished tannins along the finish feel Cashmere-like and beg the taster for another sip. – Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking

An exceptional benchland vineyard in the Rutherford appellation produces intensely concentrated grapes for this wine. Planted at the foot of a steep canyon on the western hills of Rutherford, the rocky and loamy soils were formed by eons of erosion from the mountains above. The aspect, climate, and soils combine to create a classic Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon with incredible concentration, texture, and structure.

Hand harvested in the cool early morning hours, the fruit was immediately subjected to rigorous selection by our three-tiered sorting process, including our cutting-edge optical sorter, with a goal of eliminating less-than-perfect berries. The selected fruit was gently delivered to tank via gravity by our crane system, retaining perfect, whole berries. Cold soaks lasted approximately five days, and fermentations were managed by a combination of délestage and pump overs. Extended maceration, ranging from three to four weeks, fine-tuned tannin profiles, allowing us to build structure and wine complexity. The wine was aged in French oak barrels, 79% of which were new, for twenty-one months.

The ravishing inky purple 2021 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon is a seductive and complex tincture where a panoply of dusty cassis, pine forest, black tea, loamy, and cedar aromas playfully dance in the glass. Layers of blackberry, mulberries, and cinnamon notes lay out on top of the bouquet. The long and decadent mouthfeel is guided along the palate by fresh acidity and gobs of chocolaty tannins provide an enticing structure. Lingering notes of ancho chile, cumin, and Chinese five spice persist long after tasting. – Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking

An exceptional vineyard in the Oakville appellation produces intensely concentrated grapes for this wine. Planted on the southeast border of Oakville, this extremely rocky vineyard’s soil is composed largely of stones made round by the weathering of Rector Creek’s stream over the millennia.  The poor stony soils restrict vine  vigor and allow the vines to only produce small berries inherent with incredible concentration.  The heat retained by these rocky soils help ripen the clusters and lend a silky lush texture to the tannins and finish.

Hand harvested in the cool early morning hours, the fruit was immediately subjected to rigorous selection by our three-tiered sorting process, including our cutting-edge optical sorter, with a goal of eliminating less-than-perfect berries. The selected fruit was gently delivered to tank via gravity by our crane system, retaining perfect, whole berries. Cold soaks lasted approximately five days, and fermentations were managed by a combination of délestage and pump overs. Extended maceration, ranging from three to four weeks, fine-tuned tannin profiles, allowing us to build structure and wine complexity. The wine was aged in French oak barrels, 68% of which were new, for twenty-one months.

The east side of Oakville is unmatched for producing seductive, cassis-laden wines of density and richness, so it only follows that our 2021 should flaunt these characteristics. Layers of blackberry, jammy blackcurrants, and warm summer mulberries aromas and flavors will delight the taster. Accents of cumin and smoked paprika intertwine with red and black licorice notes. There are gobs of sweet, creamy tannin that lead the finish with focus and intensity to a long and seamless summit to pleasure. – Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking

Exceptional high-elevation vineyards in the Howell Mountain appellation produce intensely concentrated grapes for this wine. Soils are volcanic in origin and consist of two main types: the first is decomposed volcanic ash called tufa, and the second is red volcanic rock and clay that is high in iron. Both are nutrient-poor, which stresses the vines, producing intense and structured wines from small clusters and berries. The altitude, climate, and soils combine to create a classic mountain Cabernet Sauvignon with incredible concentration, texture, and structure.

Hand harvested in the cool early morning hours, the fruit was immediately subjected to rigorous selection by our three-tiered sorting process, including our cutting-edge optical sorter, to eliminate less-than-perfect berries. The selected fruit was gently delivered to tank via gravity by our crane system, retaining perfect, whole berries. Cold soaks lasted approximately five days, and fermentations were managed by a combination of délestage and pump overs. Extended maceration, ranging from three to four weeks, fine-tuned tannin profiles, allowing us to build structure and wine complexity. The wine was aged in French oak barrels, 52% of which were new, for twenty-one months.

Dark and beguiling, the 2022 Howell Mountain leaps from the glass with red and black currant, loamy forest floor aromas, and notes of white pepper. Black forest cake, nori, and savory bone broth flavors wrap around the energizing and fresh blackberry, and fig notes on the palate. Finishing long and harmoniously, the depth of this wine is accented with cooling bay laurel and sage aromas that are carried out with soft integrated tannins. – Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking

Our estate vineyard blocks are named after Cliff’s favorite rock songs and albums. The name of this blend is derived from Pink Floyd’s “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” and Electric Light Orchestra’s “Mr. Blue Sky.” We utilize both the gravelly, alluvial soils of our Rhythm Vineyard and the steep, rocky volcanic slopes of the Poetry Vineyard to create this unique blend.

In the cool darkness of night, grapes were hand-picked into twenty-five-pound bins to minimize crushing. By early morning, the grapes were subjected to rigorous selection by our three-tiered sorting process which includes our cutting-edge optical sorter, and a slow, individual berry hand sort. The fruit was gently gravity-delivered to small tanks by our unique crane system which kept the berries intact. Cold soaks lasted from five to eight days, and fermentations were managed through a combination of pump overs and délestage. Extended maceration of up to six weeks ensured exceptional extraction and fine-tuning of tannin profiles. This wine underwent twenty-one months of élevage in French oak barrels, 88% of which were new.

Almost pitch black, the inky 2021 Diamond Sky’s opaque violet color coats the glass, and broody scents of crème de cassis, blackberry, and warm plum waft invitingly. Dark fruit flavors intertwine with clove, coriander, and anise spice notes across the entry. Generous doses of the dark and shadowy Petit Verdot and Malbec varietals lend this wild exotic notes of blood orange, red roses, dark chocolate, and mincemeat pie. This young, coiled wine finishes long, with vibrant, fresh acidity and supportive tannin. “Now there’s a look in your eyes, like black holes in the sky. Shine on you crazy diamond.” -Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking

The Rhythm Vineyard is located on the subtle slopes of our Stags Leap District estate. Defined by two large hills at its southern border, this vineyard surrounds our winery and reaches west toward the Napa River. The Rhythm Vineyard’s soil is composed of gravelly loam of varying depths and rock content. The incredibly diverse soil profile enables us to farm several small blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon and additional Bordeaux varieties with unique combinations of clonal selections and rootstocks.

In the cool darkness of night, grapes were hand-picked into twenty-five pound bins to minimize crushing. By early morning, the grapes were subjected to rigorous selection by our three-tiered sorting process which includes our cutting-edge optical sorter, and a slow, individual berry hand sort. The fruit was gently gravity-delivered to small tanks by our unique crane system which kept the berries intact. Cold soaks lasted from five to eight days, and fermentations were managed through a combination of pump overs and délestage. Extended maceration of up to six weeks ensured exceptional extraction and fine-tuning of tannin profiles. This wine underwent twenty-one months of élevage in French oak barrels, 86% of which were new.

The triumphal 2022 Rhythm exudes class and sophistication right out of the glass, flaunting its Stags Leap District breeding and balanced perfection with confidence. There are gorgeous black currants, kirsch, pain grille, cigar wrapper, and pencil shavings on the nose, with loamy rocky aromas intertwined with sandalwood and mint. Fresh and balanced with no heaviness, the chocolatey and cassis flavors linger with a fine density along the medium-long finish. – Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking

The Poetry Vineyard, carved into a steep west-facing hillside, reaches from the highest elevations of the Stags Leap District appellation to the valley floor. This vineyard draws its uniqueness from shallow, volcanic soils atop fractured shale. Due to the stressful nature of the site, planted with high vine density and farmed to very low yields, the vines develop slowly and produce small flavorful berries.  The vineyard was designed by David Abreu and planted to legendary, proprietary heritage selections of Cabernet Sauvignon.

In the cool darkness of night, grapes were hand-picked into twenty-five-pound bins to minimize crushing. By early morning, the grapes were subjected to rigorous selection by our three-tiered sorting process, which includes our cutting-edge optical sorter and a slow, individual berry hand sort. Whole berries were gently delivered by gravity to tank by our unique crane system, which kept the berries intact. Cold soaks lasted from five to eight days, and fermentations were managed through a combination of pump overs and délestage. Extended maceration of up to six weeks ensured exceptional extraction and fine-tuning of tannin profiles. Following twenty-one months of élevage in French oak barrels, 74% of which were new, the blend was selected from our best lots of the Poetry Vineyard.

There is an effortlessness and ease to the 2021 Poetry that springs from the continuity and familiarity of its caretakers and the experience of the vines themselves as their roots dig deep into the shallow unforgiving terraces of rock and rhyolitic crevices. Wafts of warm summer mulberries, fractured rock, and violet perfume envelop the glass. Wild blackberry preserves form the flavor on the entry and combine with tantalizing, black truffle, sea salt, and steak au poivre juices. Plush tannin swathes the finish and wraps the tongue in a mineral laden, majestic embrace where the flavors linger long and pleasingly -Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking

2021 Songbook is sourced from two acclaimed Napa Valley vineyards – David Abreu’s Madrona Ranch Vineyard, nestled in the foothills of the Mayacamas mountain range, and our Poetry Estate Vineyard. These vineyards produce grapes of exceptional character resulting from proprietary clones, extremely low yields, and meticulous farming.

In the cool darkness of night, grapes were hand-picked into twenty-five-pound bins to minimize crushing. By early morning, the grapes were subjected to rigorous selection by our three-tiered sorting process, which includes our cutting-edge optical sorter and a slow, individual berry hand sort. Whole berries were gently delivered by gravity to tank by our unique crane system which kept the berries intact. Cold soaks lasted from five to eight days, and fermentations were managed through a combination of pump overs and délestage. Extended maceration of up to six weeks ensured exceptional extraction and fine-tuning of tannin profiles.

Beneath the 2021 Songbook’s shy, demure initial impression, simmers a dashing and seductive elixir. A little time in the glass reveals comely warm slate, wild blackberry preserves, iron, violets, and cedar aromas. A liquid minerality is intertwined throughout the black licorice, cocoa powder, chocolate cake, and cinnamon flavors. This sumptuous wine finishes lively and precise, shining with fresh acidity and supportive tannin that will carry this wine on its long journey ahead. – Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking

Situated on the western Oakville bench, the celebrated Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard has gravelly loam soils with high mineral content derived from sedimentary deposits of the volcanic Mayacamas Mountains and the alluvial fan of the Napa River. The vineyard has low organic matter content and thorough drainage, which devigorates the vines and produces small berries that are ideal for wines with intense concentration. The site is warm and sunny throughout the day, but cooled by late afternoon breezes, producing ripe Cabernet Sauvignon with lovely acidity. The blocks that make up our blend represent a diverse array of the Beckstoffer To Kalon terroir and clonal selection, creating a unique and extraordinary wine from this critically praised site.

In the cool darkness of night, grapes were hand-picked into twenty-five-pound bins to minimize crushing. By early morning, the grapes were subjected to rigorous selection by our three-tiered sorting process which includes our cutting-edge optical sorter, and a slow, individual berry hand sort. Whole berries were gently delivered by gravity to tank by our unique crane system which kept the berries intact. Cold soaks lasted from five to eight days, and fermentations were managed through a combination of pump overs and délestage. Extended maceration of up to six weeks ensured exceptional extraction and fine-tuning of tannin profiles.

The deep dark ruby colored 2021 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard boasts a brooding perfume of sultry violets, wild blackberry, and black figs. Red currant, black cherry, and mulberry preserve flavors permeate the entry tinged with cinnamon and nutmeg notes. Hallmark accents of gravelly loam, graphite, and crème de cassis open along the fresh finish and linger long after tasting. This raw multilayered wine will continue to open and gain immense depth and length with proper cellaring. – Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking