2011 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Songbook
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Tasting notes
(76% cabernet sauvignon, 15% cabernet franc and 9% merlot; aged in 100% new French oak for 18 months): Healthy deep red. Good energy and nuance to the aromas of plum, currant, tobacco and milk chocolate The palate conveys an old-vines intensity and good lift to the currant and wild mint flavors. The sweetest and lushest of these 2011s to this point, finishing with firm, building tannins and very good balancing acidity.
Critic scores
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Songbook is laced with tobacco, smoke, licorice, sweet herbs and dried flowers. The mid-weight style of the year comes through on the mid-palate and finish. The aromas are just a bit forward, while the tannins are slightly astringent, both of which suggest the 2011 is best enjoyed sooner rather than later.
(blended with 12% cabernet franc and 11% merlot): Medium ruby-red. Distinctly cooler on the nose than the 2010 version, with aromas of currant, licorice, tobacco and herbs accented by a whiff of green pepper. Moderately dense and sweet, with dark berry, herb and menthol flavors complicated by a salty minerality. With less mid-palate stuffing, the tannins come across as a bit dry. Will this gain flesh during its final months in barrel?