2018 Cliff Lede High Fidelity
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Tasting notes
Lots of red and black fruits, spring flowers, candied orange, and violet notes emerge from the 2018 Red Blend High Fidelity. Another beautifully balanced, medium to full-bodied, elegant wine in this lineup, it offers nicely integrated acidity, present yet ripe tannins, and a great mid-palate. It’s already hard to resist, yet I see no reason why it wouldn’t continue to drink well for another 10-15 years. The blend is 50% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Petit Verdot.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The 2018 High Fidelity is a gorgeous wine to drink now and over the next decade or so. Bright floral aromatics lend vibrancy to a core of sweet red berry fruit. Mocha, spice, rose petal, mint and blood orange develop over time, adding layers of complexity. The move to increasingly emphasize Franc in this blend has worked so well. This is a fabulous entry-level offering from Cliff Lede.
A blend of 50% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2018 High Fidelity Red Blend has a medium to deep garnet-purple color, opening with seductive notes of redcurrant jelly, blackberry coulis, black raspberries and spice cake followed by nuances of red roses, cedar chest and pencil lead with a waft of underbrush. The medium to full-bodied palate quivers with compelling energy, framed by finely grained tannins and bags of freshness, finishing with loads of red fruit and perfumed layers.