WINEMAKER'S NOTES:
The 2023 Rhythm gushes from the glass with aromas of violets, rich black currants, and blackberries, giving way to nuances of truffle-like loamy soil notes. Those same flavors echo seamlessly across the palate with energetic black fruits, Ancho chile, smoked cardamom, and rose petal notes flitting on the long and sumptuous finish. Lively acids and a fine sense of precision linger long after tasting, making another sip irresistible.
Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 1% Merlot
TASTING NOTES:
Wow. This offers enticing, rich flavors with firm texture and great balance from fresh acidity and super-fine-grained tannins. For a big, full-bodied wine, it is remarkably elegant, agile and approachable yet needs time to show its full potential. Black cherries, cocoa, minerals, graphite, blackcurrants and spearmint expand on the palate and linger in the finish.
- James Suckling, 96 pts.
The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Rhythm is a gorgeous wine from estate vineyards in Stags Leap. Crème de cassis, pencil shavings, violet, plum, chocolate, menthol, licorice and cloves fill out the layers. This is another dense, full-bodied offering from Cliff Lede and longtime winemaker Chris Tynan. This is very Stags Leap.
- Vinous, 96 pts.
Cliff Lede's 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Rhythm shows the remarkable consistency the winery is able to obtain off this section of estate vineyard near the winery. Black cherries and cassis are joined by vaguely herbal elements in this medium- to full-bodied wine. Expansive on the palate without being high in alcohol (it's labeled at 13.6%), it boasts a richly silky texture, ample concentration and plenty of length on the finish.
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 93 pts.
