Cliff Lede Vineyards has recently announced its acquisition of three hectares (7.5 acres) of vineyard land from the Andelin family, situated in the acclaimed Stags Leap District of Napa Valley. This strategic purchase not only allows Lede to increase its property holdings but also positions the winery to enhance its focus on producing Cabernet Sauvignon, a specialty of the region.
The newly acquired vineyard lies adjacent to Cliff Lede’s existing Rhythm vineyard, providing a seamless expansion of their estate. The deal also includes a private home, boosting the purchased area to 3.5 hectares (8.6 acres). Although the winery has been farming and leasing the Andelin site since its inception in 2002, the opportunity to own this land was deemed too good to overlook.
Jason Lede, the winery’s general manager and son of founder Cliff Lede, expressed excitement about the acquisition, emphasizing the winery’s long-held interest in maximizing the site’s potential. The winery plans to replant the vineyard, focusing on Cabernet Sauvignon while implementing precise farming techniques and clonal selection, similar to their neighboring vineyards that have shown promising results in recent years.
In an effort to concentrate more on Napa Valley, the Lede family recently divested its holdings in the Savoy vineyard located in Anderson Valley. Jason Lede reinforced their commitment to growing and producing Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley, which he described as both their passion and expertise.
After this transaction, Cliff Lede Vineyards boasts over 64.7 hectares (160 acres) of vineyards in Napa Valley, incorporating various estates in the esteemed Stags Leap District as well as additional properties in Calistoga and Carneros.
The winery’s 2021 ‘Poetry’ Cabernet Sauvignon received a prestigious 100-point score from Decanter’s Jonathan Cristaldi, elevating it from a previous 99 points following a second tasting. Comprising primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with small proportions of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this wine reflects the quality and style that the winery aims to showcase.
This acquisition mirrors recent developments in the region, including Antinori’s purchase of the Arcadia vineyard in Coombsville, which reunites properties once owned by renowned winemaker Warren Winiarski.
For more details, check out related articles on the acquisitions and wine reviews: