Community Tasting Note
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csimm wrote: 89 points
December 12, 2016 - Some of my previous notes apply, but this was indeed more accessible than six months ago. With a short decant, it was drinking at what I would expect to be close to its apex. It developed over time, but I'm not sure its "development" was an evolution worthy of high accolades. Fell pretty flat after three+ hours in the decanter.
This wine had moments of being "ok," but never could completely blossom into anything worth really talking about in my opinion. I don't think it is because it needs more time; I just think it is a bit of a lessser wine. I think 89-90 points is more than fair, but the devil on my shoulder tells me I'm being too generous.
A bit of a plummy, cedary, and flat aftertaste. This wine was almost instantly forgettable. I have one bottle and could honestly care less when I drink the next one. Gun to my head, I'll say mid-2017 is a safe bet. However, I also predict this will offer only humdrum enjoyment.
Drink now and over the next few years.3 people found this helpful 3,473 views
4 Comments
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Cristal2000 commented:
12/13/16, 2:12 PM - Sad story, especially given Parker rating. Kinda felt that way about all the High Fidelity wines I've had. Nothing interesting. Thanks!
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csimm commented:
12/13/16, 10:03 PM - Ya I wish I honestly had better comments to make on this wine. Super boring in the end. I didn't hate it, but I'm just 100% apathetic to it. The Rock Blocks are different stories (and really maybe the only Cliff Lede wines that are truly notable in any way). Another winery I'll pass on going forward... oh well.
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ONEFIVE commented:
12/16/16, 2:40 PM - I think it is worth noting that along with the high accolades, Parker suggests allowing more nuance to emerge in time with this wine. He recommends bottle age on pretty much all of Cliff Lede's 2013s.
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csimm commented:
12/16/16, 8:20 PM - Fair point ONEFIVE. This may become something worth paying attention to in a few years, however, I unfortunately have my concerns. Bottle integration over time can do some things, but it can't necessarily make a great wine out of an "ok" wine. A young great wine still usually shows signs of upside in the way of verve/energy, coiled-up intense and tight fruit, and a solid backbone. I just didn't find any of that here. I could be 100% off the reservation in terms of my assessment, but for me, this is one I will likely not plan on seeking out in the future. Just my 2 cents.