2018 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Songbook

Next up, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Songbook is 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc. A classic Cabernet by any measure, it offers dark, smoky notes of black fruits, smoked tobacco, chocolate, earth, and toasted spices. These carry to a full-bodied, rich, powerful 2018 with ample mid-palate depth, rounded, sweet tannins, and a lengthy finish that packs plenty of structure. This beauty needs 4-5 years of bottle age, but it’s another gorgeous 2018 that will be very long-lived.

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Songbook benefits from the addition of Cabernet Franc, which lends aromatic brilliance and energy, not to mention a great deal of personality. Inky dark raspberries, mocha, wild flowers, mint and cedar are some of the many aromas and flavors that gradually open in the glass. This vibrant, potent Cabernet Sauvignon has a ton to offer. In 2018, fruit sources were Madrona Ranch and Thorevilos.

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Songbook is composed of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a little coaxing to begin, soon unfurling to reveal fragrant scents of lilacs, Black Forest cake, Indian spices and cedar chest over a core of warm cassis, plum preserves and wild blueberries. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a solid frame of firm, grainy tannins and lovely freshness supporting the bright, crunchy black fruit layers, finishing long with loads of pepper and spice accents.