Here’s the fourth installment of The Wine Chef’s December “Advent Calendar” wine series.
Cliff Lede Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ($80)
Photo: Lisa Denning
Here’s one for fans of big, bold Napa Cabs.
Unlike many of its neighboring bruisers, though, this wine oozes finesse and balance. While it offers plenty of sun-drenched California fruit and a moderately high—but not crazy—alcohol level (14.2%), its vibrant acidity and firm, polished tannins elegantly tame the ripeness.
Here’s what to expect: classic Napa Cab dark fruit notes of black cherry, plum, and blackberry, layered with hints of tobacco, baking spices like cinnamon and cloves, and a fair amount of vanilla oakiness from aging in French oak barrels (48% new) for 21 months.
But make no mistake—this is no overripe fruit bomb. Composed of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc, it’s a versatile wine that would pair perfectly with grilled ribeye, lamb chops with rosemary, hearty pasta and mushroom dishes or even eggplant parmigiana and aged cheeses.
This Article was originally published on The Wine Chef
