2008 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Lonely Wizard
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Tasting notes
(85% cabernet sauvignon, 7% merlot, 5% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot): Licorice and menthol on the nose, with hints of violet and minerals. Fat, sweet and plummy if a bit soft; from its texture I would have picked this blind as merlot. A sweet, harmonious, user-friendly wine that finishes with broad, easy tannins. From a cooler site on heavier soil.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Roadblock - Lonely Wizard (85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot) is the most monolithic and muted of these offerings. There is plenty of stuffing along with abundant red and black currant, loamy soil, herb and tobacco leaf characteristics as well as a medium-bodied finish. It probably just suffers in comparison with the other 2008s which are so much more expressive. Elegant, well-made Cabernets continue to emerge from this reputable as well as increasingly high quality producer in the tiny corridor of Stags Leap where the Yountville Crossroad intersects the Silverado Trail. Cliff Lede’s forward, delicious 2008s merit attention from readers. An early look at the 2009s suggests these will be early drinkers as they possess forward fruit, soft tannins and endearing, mid-weight styles. For most wineries, 2009 is clearly not a blockbuster vintage, but rather one that might turn out to be similar to 2005, underrated initially, but putting on weight and showing beautiful balance in what was clearly a cooler year. Tel. (800) 428-2259; Fax (707) 944-8020