2005 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Cinnamon Stardust

The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Cinnamon Stardust (88% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot) is a smaller cuvee of 600+ cases. Dense ruby/purple with sensational fruit, but broader, deeper, and more opulent than the previous offering, the wine is deep and pure, with spring flowers intermixed with black currant, cedar, and some spice box. The wine has terrific texture, good acidity, and a long finish. It should drink nicely for 15-20 years. Canadian businessman Cliff Lede has Michelle Edwards as his winemaker, David Abreu as his viticulturalist, and of course none other than Michel Rolland as his winemaking consultant, so big things are expected. If 2005 is any indication, they are already well on their way to making world-class wines. This 60-acre property with the vineyards and winery in the Stags Leap area and the winery right on the Yountville cross (across the road from another up-and-coming superstar, Kapcsandy) made their first vintages in 2002, but I think the 2005s move this winery to higher ground. Tel. (800) 428-2259; Fax (707) 944-8020