The state-of-the-art winery, designed by world-renowned architect Howard Backen and completed in 2005, combines time-tested techniques with innovative technology. Built into a hillside and contiguous with the caves, the winery features the White Room, named after the Beatles White album, which looks over both the striking tank room on one side, and the breathtaking vineyards and rugged landscape of the Stags Leap District on the other.
Sorting
Upon early morning arrival at the winery, our grapes are subjected to our rigorous three-tiered sorting process. First, clusters are hand sorted via visual inspection. Then, a cutting-edge Pellenc optical sorting machine selects grapes based upon quality settings established by the winemaker. Finally, remaining berries are subjected to one last hand-sort to ensure that only the best berries make it into the tank.
Gravity Flow
In order to maintain berry integrity, a unique crane system was installed to gently deliver whole berries to tank for fermentation, allowing for minimal processing of the fruit.
Tanks
Lede commissioned American tank manufacturer Mueller to recreate distinctive truncated tanks inspired by those at Château Latour, to allow for more skin submersion, resulting in better flavor and color extraction.
Caves
Barrels are stored in temperature-controlled caves in the hillside behind the winery, providing an ideal atmosphere for aging and energy savings congruent with our Napa Green Winery certification.