2012 High Fidelity Red Blend
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
Dark red cherries, plums, spice, menthol, tobacco and cedar are all laced together in the 2012 High Fidelity, Cliff Lede's Merlot-based blend. Cabernet Franc adds an attractive aromatic upper register, but there is no lack of mid-palate depth. Rich and textured to the core, the 2012 offers plenty of near-term appeal. My only critique is that the oak feels a bit overdone, especially on the finish, where the occasional hint of astringency creeps in. High Fidelity is made from a blend of Lede and Abreu fruit.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Proprietary Red Blend High Fidelity is a blend of 64% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Malbec. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by notes of white chocolate and cassis as well as a fleshy, full-bodied mouthfeel, abundant complexity, stunning purity and overall harmony. This brilliant red can be drunk over the next 10-15 years.
Juicy red cherries, plums, rose petals and sweet spices jump from the glass in the 2012 High Fidelity. A sweet, floral, expressive wine, the 2012 stands out for its layered, expressive personality. Today the fruit is singing and the wine is showing beautifully. I imagine the 2012 will be nearly impossible to resist in the near-term. All the elements are in the right place.