Since founding his namesake winery in 2002, Cliff Lede (pronounced lay-dee) has put every emphasis towards creating a modern and diversified world-class estate. A strategic thinker and visionary, Lede is the driving force of a company that at once holds the values of the great Old World winemaking properties, with the energy, youth and spark of the New World. His wines are intrinsically connected to the land, yet his view point is forward-thinking and entirely fresh. One visit to the Cliff Lede Vineyards property, which is full of contemporary art and is juxtaposed with vineyard blocks named for classic rock songs, and it is clear that to him, wine--like music and art--is a source of great beauty.Lede grew up involved with his family's successful construction business in Canada, and first discovered the splendor of the Napa Valley while on a business retreat in the 1990s. An avid long-distance runner, he explored the back roads of Napa Valley throughout his trip. The area resonated a great deal with him, as he had collected Bordeaux wines since his late 20s. Frequent return visits ensued, and he was soon exposed to everything Napa Valley has to offer: beautiful land, some of the world's greatest restaurants and a core of friendly, passionate and hardworking people that reminded him of his own community.
Lede soon began searching for a property in Napa to purchase, where he could start his own winery. Determined to plant his roots in the Stags Leap District for its complex and age-worthy wines, he remained patient and focused.
Upon learning that the S. Anderson Vineyards estate was for sale, Cliff recognized the opportunity and, after months of negotiations, founded Cliff Lede Vineyards. One year later, the southwest facing hillside just above the Silverado Trail became available. Cliff acquired the rare hillside property, naming it the Poetry Vineyard. In 2005, he opened Poetry Inn, one of Napa's most secluded luxury boutique hotels, perched high above the valley floor overlooking his winery and vineyards. In 2009, he expanded to include cooler-climate varieties from the Anderson Valley and subsequently purchased the Savoy Vineyard, creating a new brand, FEL, named for his mother, Florence Elsie Lede.
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California » Stags Leap District
Wine Spectator 91 "Succulent peach, melon and citrus flavors reveal pretty details of spice and dried floral notes in this stylish white, with crisp acidity and
51aCalifornia » Stags Leap District
Wine Advocate 93 The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc.
California » Stags Leap District
"The delectably bright and balanced 2017 Sauvignon Blanc is resplendent in a sea of citrus aromas and flavors. Meyer lemon, key lime, ruby grapefruit,
Wine Advocate 93 "Their basic Cabernet Sauvignon from Stags Leap, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is sensational and only hints at what consumers are likely to find
Wine Spectator 92 "Supple and elegant, showing a complex mix of orange marmalade, honeysuckle, lime blossom and toasted almond skin against vibrant citrus notes, finishing with
"Pear, lime zest, and apricot blossom aromas awaken the senses. The mid-palate expands into a rich and long finish. Melon and lychee are supported by
"Intense citrus blossom, honeysuckle, and tropical undertones of pineapple, calamansi lime, and passion fruit describe the nose of the 2009 Sauvignon Blanc. The wider use
Wine Spectator 92 "Creamy and seductive, with ripe currant, mocha, mineral and espresso notes that are full-bodied, deep and complex. Persistent and long on the finish,
Robert Parker 91 '"The least expensive cuvee, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap, exhibits a deep plum/ruby/purple color along with a sweet perfume of cedar, black
"Enticing aromas of white peach, cantaloupe, and orange blossom are complemented by bright, citrus notes of lemon curd and zest. Tropical flavors of pineapple and
" With the cut and color of yellow sapphire, the 2013 Sauvignon Blanc shines brilliantly in the glass and tempts with alluring aromas of lemon
"The 2015 Sauvignon Blanc is loaded with aromas of Meyer lemon and candle wax atop layers of honeysuckle, ginger, and tangerine. Spring blossoms of wisteria,
Wine Advocate 93 "One of the best-run and now superstar wineries in all of Napa is Cliff Lede. Starting with their 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap,
Wine Spectator 89 "Spicy and expressive, offering lemon sherbet, ruby grapefruit and lime zest flavors. Fresh and vibrant, with shadings of lemon thyme on the finish.
California » Stags Leap District
Wine Advocate 98+ "A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot and a 1% splash of Petit Verdot, the deep purple-black colored 2015
California » Stags Leap District
Wine Advocate 93 "A blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 7% Merlot, 7% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Cabernet
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