2010 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Landslide Fire

(blended with 13% merlot, 5% cabernet franc and 2% malbec): Good full ruby-red. Higher-pitched on the nose than the High Fidelity but equally expressive, showing darker aromas of cassis, licorice, violet, brown spices, mocha and tobacco. Rich, ripe and lively, with a fine-grained texture and compelling sweetness to the rather brooding flavors of dark berries, minerals and gravel. Finishes with the melting, chocolatey tannins and warm rocky soil character of classic Stags Leap wine. Wonderfully balanced from the start but built to age.

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Landslide Fire presents a more floral, red-toned expression of Stags' Leap to match its silky, polished personality. This is another relatively soft, sexy wine that offers plenty of early appeal. Red currants, pomegranate and freshly cut roses are some of the notes that are layered into the finish. The Landslide Fire is made from some of the cooler parts of the estate. The blend is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec.

(with 13% merlot, 5% cabernet franc and 2% malbec): Good, bright ruby-red. Lovely minerality lifts the aromas of redcurrant, graphite and loam; projects a very pure impression of soil. Sweet, lush and nicely filled in, with dark berry flavors complicated by gentle smoky minerality. Thanks to the richness of the middle palate, the dusty tannins come across as rather soft and fine. Finishes long and smooth, with an inviting floral element.