2010 High Fidelity Red Blend

Dark plums, mocha, cloves and sweet, exotic spices inform the Merlot-based 2010 High Fidelity. Here it is the relatively high presence of Cabernet Franc that gives the wine much of its aromatic nuance and sheer presence. This voluptuous, dark wine needs a few years in the cellar, but it is pretty delicious, even today. In 2010 the blend is 54% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot.

Dark plums, mocha, cloves and sweet, exotic spices inform the Merlot-based 2010 High Fidelity. Here it is the relatively high presence of Cabernet Franc that gives the wine much of its aromatic nuance and sheer presence. This voluptuous, dark wine needs a few years in the cellar, but it is pretty delicious, even today. In 2010 the blend is 54% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. This is a strong and consistent range from Cliff Lede and his team. In addition to these wines, I also tasted a few 2011 component wines that were promising. Lede is keeping his 2011s separate for a longer time than normal before blending to see how they develop, a common choice in this very challenging vintage. Tel. (800) 428-2259

The 2010 High Fidelity is a big, big wine. It is quite different than the 2009, largely owing to the much higher percentage of Merlot and lower percentage of Cabernet Franc. Rich, dark and seamless, the 2010 High Fidelity impresses for its fabulous depth and richness. The 2010 is fairly approachable and should drink well pretty much right out of the gate. There is a little bit less structure and aromatic complexity than in the 2009, but that should not be too much of an issue for a wine meant to be enjoyed upon release. The blend is approximately 54% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot.